Neuroticism and low self-esteem as risk factors for incident eating disorders in a prospective cohort study.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the role of neuroticism and low self-esteem as risk factors for eating disorders (ED).


METHODS
A representative sample of girls 12-21 years old from Navarre, Spain. Girls free from any ED in 1997 were followed up for 18 months and reevaluated using DSM-IV criteria. Multivariable logistic models were used to examine associations between neuroticism (Eysenck Inventory) or low self-esteem (36-item scale) and incident ED.


RESULTS
Higher levels of neurotic personality increased the risk of ED (adjusted odds ratio [OR] for the highest quartile, 3.3; 95% Cl; 1.6-4.8). High levels of self-esteem were protective (OR, 0.32; 95% CI, 0.16-0.66). Neuroticism was a more powerful predictor than low self-esteem.


CONCLUSIONS
Our results provide prospective evidence supporting the role of neuroticism and low self-esteem as major determinants of ED.
Cervera
Salvador
S
Department of Psychiatry, University Clinic, University of Navarre, Irunlarrea 1, E-31080 Pamplona, Spain.
Lahortiga
Francisca
F
Martínez-González
Miguel Angel
MA
Gual
Pilar
P
de Irala-Estévez
Jokin
J
Alonso
Yolanda
Y
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D015331:Cohort Studies; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000209:etiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009497:Neurotic Disorders / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology*; D010552:Personality Assessment; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012649:Self Concept