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Published on: May 14, 2018
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Perfectionistic self-presentation and orthorexia in exercisers.
Verity B Pratt1, Daniel J Madigan2, Andrew P Hill1
1School of Science, Technology, and Health, York St John University, Lord Mayor's Walk, York, UK.
Eating and Weight Disorders : EWD
|July 3, 2021
Summary
Perfectionistic self-presentation, particularly the drive to appear perfect, is linked to orthorexia nervosa in exercisers. This study highlights perfectionistic self-promotion as a key predictor of disordered eating patterns related to healthy eating.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Eating Disorders
Background:
- Perfectionism is a personality trait characterized by setting excessively high standards.
- Perfectionistic self-presentation involves managing the impressions others form of oneself.
- Orthorexia nervosa is an unhealthy obsession with 'healthy' eating.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between perfectionistic self-presentation and orthorexia nervosa.
- To determine if interpersonal expressions of perfectionism are associated with disordered eating patterns focused on healthy food.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 150 exercisers (mean age 27.7 years).
- Participants completed the Perfectionistic Self-Presentation Scale and the ORTO-15.
- Data were analyzed using correlational and multiple regression analyses.
Main Results:
- Two dimensions of perfectionistic self-presentation, perfectionistic self-promotion and nondisplay of imperfection, positively correlated with orthorexia.
- Perfectionistic self-promotion was identified as the strongest and sole significant predictor of orthorexia.
Conclusions:
- Perfectionistic self-presentation is positively associated with orthorexia nervosa among exercisers.
- The tendency to portray a perfect image to others (perfectionistic self-promotion) significantly drives this association.
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