Risk factors for eating disorders in Greek- and Anglo-Australian adolescent girls.
Past research indicates ethnicity may be related to eating disorder and related risk factors. The present study examines risk factors for eating disorders in 50 Anglo- and 50 Greek-Australian girls (mean age = 13.5 years). The variables assessed included bulimic tendencies, body dissatisfaction, use of extreme weight loss behaviors (EWLBs), self-esteem, depression and family cohesion and adaptability. Cultural eating patterns were also explored. A stepwise discriminant function analysis to examine whether the two groups could be discriminated on these variables was significant and correctly classified 73.9% of the sample, the chief discriminating variables being Pressure to Eat, EWLBs, and Family Adaptability. Univariate analyses indicated differences between the groups on Pressure to Eat, Family Adaptability, and Mother's Shape. Although the groups were discriminable, a number of variables generally associated with eating disorder did not contribute to the function. These data are discussed in terms of cultural assimilation.
Mildred
H
H
Psychology Department, LaTrobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
Paxton
S J
SJ
Wertheim
E H
EH
D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior; D001315:Australia / Q000208:ethnology; D001828:Body Image; D003469:Culture; D004739:England; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005260:Female; D006115:Greece; D006801:Humans; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012649:Self Concept