Relationship between eating disorders and internalized problems in chilean adolescents

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Adolescent Health
• Mental Health Research

Background:

• Eating disorders (ED) are frequently comorbid with internalized problems (INTP), including depression and anxiety.
• Adolescents are a vulnerable population for psychological issues, yet research on ED and INTP in Northern Chile is scarce.
• Understanding the relationship between ED and INTP is crucial for at-risk youth in this region.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the correlation between eating disorders (ED) and internalized problems (INTP) in adolescents aged 12-18 in Northern Chile.
• To address the lack of research on this specific relationship within the Chilean context.
• To provide foundational data for developing school-based intervention strategies.

Main Methods:

• A non-experimental, transactional correlational study was conducted with 2277 high school students in Northern Chile.
• Data were collected using the Child and Adolescent Evaluation System (SENA) for INTP and ED detection, and the Brief Self-Control Scale.
• Pearson's correlation was employed to examine the relationships between variables.

Main Results:

• A strong, direct correlation was identified between eating disorders (ED) and internalized problems (INTP), particularly with depression and anxiety.
• Female participants exhibited a higher prevalence of both INTP and ED compared to males.
• Significant sex-based differences were observed in the manifestation of these conditions.

Conclusions:

• The findings underscore the significant association between ED and INTP, especially depression and anxiety, in Chilean adolescents.
• There is a pressing need for school-based strategies to detect and intervene early in adolescents experiencing INTP and ED.
• This research provides essential data for designing medium- and long-term intervention plans in educational settings, given the scarcity of prior studies in Chile.