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Developmental pathways of eating problems in adolescents
Annie Aimé1, Wendy M Craig, Debra Pepler
1Département de Psychoéducation et de Psychologie, Université du Québec en Outaouais, Gatineau, Canada. annie.aime@uqo.ca
The International Journal of Eating Disorders
|June 24, 2008
Summary
Adolescent eating problems develop along five trajectories. Both internalizing and externalizing behaviors are risk factors for eating pathology, with unique risks for boys including drug use and depression.
Area of Science:
- Adolescent Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Eating Disorder Research
Background:
- Eating disorders are a significant public health concern among adolescents.
- Understanding developmental trajectories and associated risk factors is crucial for early intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the developmental pathways of eating problems in adolescents.
- To identify psychological correlates and risk factors linked to these eating trajectories.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 739 adolescents completed self-report measures.
- Assessed eating problems, internalizing/externalizing behaviors, substance use, peer victimization, and depression.
Main Results:
- Five distinct eating problem trajectories were identified.
- Internalizing and externalizing behaviors were associated with eating pathology for both genders.
- For boys, drug use, victimization, and depressive symptoms were additional risk factors.
Conclusions:
- Disordered eating in adolescents requires attention to both externalizing problems in girls and internalizing behaviors in boys.
- Atypical eating in boys elevates the risk for co-occurring psychopathology.
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