Sociocultural values of appearance and attachment processes: An integrated model of eating disorder symptomatology.
Sociocultural and attachment processes were integrated into a single model predicting eating disorder symptomatology to determine their relative influence. Using normative, self-report data from 146 female undergraduates, path analyses tested the fit of a conceptual model with two hypothesized pathways: (1) higher awareness of sociocultural values about appearance would lead to less perceived appearance satisfaction which would, in turn, lead to eating disordered behavior, and (2) attachment avoidance and anxiety (modeled separately) across mother, father, and romantic partner domains would predict psychological correlates of eating disorders, thereby increasing risk for disordered behaviors. Although both were significant, the sociocultural path was slightly stronger (beta=-.46; path from attachment/psychological correlates to behaviors beta=.27). Further, attachment avoidance exhibited stronger effects than anxiety (explaining 31% and 25% of variance in psychological correlates, respectively). Results underscored the need to consider multiple factors in eating disorder research and treatment programs.
Kiang
Lisa
L
University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90024, USA. kiang@ucla.edu
Harter
Susan
S
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003469:Culture; D005006:Ethnicity; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D009769:Object Attachment; D012649:Self Concept; D012928:Social Desirability; D012945:Social Values; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires