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A Computer-Based Platform for Aiding Clinicians in Eating Disorder Analysis and Diagnosis
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Early adversity, personal resources, body dissatisfaction, and disordered eating
Lenny R Vartanian1, Joshua M Smyth, Matthew J Zawadzki
1School of Psychology, UNSW Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, 2052, Australia.
The International Journal of Eating Disorders
|June 7, 2014
Summary
Early adversity impacts disordered eating through reduced personal and social resources, and increased body dissatisfaction. Improving these resources may prevent disordered eating in young women.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Public Health
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Early adverse experiences are linked to disordered eating, but underlying mechanisms require further investigation.
- Understanding these pathways is crucial for developing effective prevention and intervention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test a structural equation model examining the association between early adversity and disordered eating.
- To investigate the mediating roles of intrapersonal resources, interpersonal resources, and body dissatisfaction.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 748 female university students completed online questionnaires.
- Measures included early adverse experiences, intrapersonal resources (self-esteem, personal growth initiative), interpersonal resources (gratitude, social support), body dissatisfaction, and disordered eating behaviors.
Main Results:
- Early adversity was negatively associated with both intrapersonal and interpersonal resources.
- Intrapersonal resources negatively predicted body dissatisfaction, while interpersonal resources showed a complex positive association.
- Body dissatisfaction was significantly associated with disordered eating and exercise behaviors.
Conclusions:
- Early adverse experiences are a significant factor in disordered eating models.
- Interventions aimed at enhancing intrapersonal and interpersonal resources in individuals with early adversity may mitigate risks of body dissatisfaction and disordered eating.
- Findings highlight potential targets for early prevention efforts in young women.
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