Longitudinal associations between externalizing behavior and dysfunctional eating attitudes and behaviors: a community-based study.
This study investigated longitudinal associations between externalizing behavior and dysfunctional eating attitudes and behaviors. Participants were girls drawn from the community-based Minnesota Twin Family Study and assessed at ages 11, 14, and 17. Cross-sectional correlations indicated that the strength of the associations between externalizing behavior and dysfunctional eating attitudes and behaviors increased over time. Mixed-model analyses indicated that earlier externalizing behavior predicted increases in weight preoccupation, body dissatisfaction, and use of inappropriate compensatory behaviors. Earlier use of inappropriate compensatory behaviors predicted increases in externalizing behavior.
Marmorstein
Naomi R
NR
Department of Psychology, Rutgers University, 311 N. Fifth Street, Camden, NJ 08102, USA. marmorst@camden.rutgers.edu
von Ranson
Kristin M
KM
Iacono
William G
WG
Succop
Paul A
PA
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D003156:Community Mental Health Services; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012919:Social Behavior; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires