Beyond shape and weight: exploring the relationship between nonbody determinants of self-esteem and eating disorder symptoms in adolescent females.
OBJECTIVE
Recent research using the Shape and Weight-Based Self-Esteem (SAWBS) Inventory has shown that basing self-esteem on shape and weight is related to eating disorder and psychiatric symptoms. This study examined the relationship between other determinants of self-esteem assessed in the SAWBS Inventory (e.g., friendships, intimate relationships, school/work competence) and eating disorder and psychological health variables.


METHODS
Female high school adolescents (N = 235) participated in this study. The relative contribution of the self-esteem dimensions to eating disorder and self-esteem was examined.


RESULTS
In addition to shape and weight, basing self-esteem on intimate relationships was also related to higher eating disorder symptoms and lower body and global self-esteem. The only protective factors to emerge in this study were basing self-esteem on competence at school and other activities.


CONCLUSIONS
Basing self-esteem on intimate relationships was associated with similar physical and health problems to basing self-esteem on shape and weight. The implications of these findings with regard to healthy adolescent development are addressed.
Geller
Josie
J
Eating Disorders Clinic, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. jgeller@ providencehealth.bc.ca
Zaitsoff
Shannon L
SL
Srikameswaran
Suja
S
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001828:Body Image; D001835:Body Weight; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D012649:Self Concept; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires