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Published on: May 10, 2022
A risk model for disordered eating in late elementary school boys
Carolyn M Pearson1, Jessica L Combs, Gregory T Smith
1Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506-0044, USA. cpearson824@gmail.com
Summary
This study found that pubertal status, negative urgency, and psychosocial learning contribute to disordered eating behaviors like binge eating and purging in young boys. These factors help identify boys at risk for developing eating disorders.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
Background:
- Disordered eating is a growing concern in pediatric populations.
- Risk models for disordered eating in young boys are not well-established.
- Early identification of risk factors is crucial for intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test a risk model for disordered eating in late elementary school-age boys.
- To examine the relationships between pubertal status, negative urgency, psychosocial learning, binge eating, and purging.
- To identify characteristics that place boys at risk for disordered eating.
Main Methods:
- A sample of 908 fifth-grade boys completed questionnaires.
- Measures included pubertal status, negative urgency, dieting/thinness expectancies, and eating pathology.
- Statistical analysis was used to test the proposed risk model.
Main Results:
- 10% of boys reported binge eating, and 4.2% reported purging.
- Each hypothesis in the risk model was supported.
- Pubertal status, negative urgency, and psychosocial learning were associated with disordered eating behaviors.
Conclusions:
- Young boys engage in binge eating and purging behaviors.
- A risk model incorporating pubertal status, negative urgency, and psychosocial learning effectively explains disordered eating in this age group.
- These findings highlight the importance of considering individual characteristics in identifying at-risk boys.
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