title: Self-esteem, eating problems, and psychological well-being in a cohort of schoolgirls aged 15-16: a questionnaire and interview study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study aimed to investigate the extent of eating problems and their association with self-esteem in girls aged 15-16.
  
  
  METHODS
  Six hundred and nine schoolgirls aged 15-16 completed a questionnaire examining eating behavior, self-esteem, and general psychological well-being. A subsample of 31 girls was subsequently interviewed in terms of eating behavior and self-esteem.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The questionnaire findings revealed that 56% of girls felt too fat and had used some form of weight control strategy. In addition, 32% scored above the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) threshold for anxiety and 43% reached the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale criterion for low self-esteem. Interviews confirmed that those showing abnormal eating behavior in the questionnaires did indeed show greater eating pathology as well as lower self-esteem. Interviews also revealed that those with high levels of eating concern showed greater levels of global self-dissatisfaction and higher dissatisfaction with their physical appearance and family relationships.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results suggest that preventative interventions targeted at girls with low self-esteem may be appropriate.
authors.affiliation: Leicestershire Mental Health Service Trust, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: E J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Button
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Loan
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Davies
authors.forename: E J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Sonuga-Barke
mesh_terms: D000124:Achievement; D000293:Adolescent; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007406:Interview, Psychological; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012574:Schools; D012649:Self Concept; D013334:Students; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires