title: Loss of control over eating in pre-adolescent youth: the role of attachment and self-esteem.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The present study aimed to add to the limited literature on the role of self-esteem and attachment for the explanation of loss of control over eating (LC) among pre-adolescent boys and girls.
  
  
  METHODS
  Self-report questionnaires were administered to a community sample of 555 children (8-11 years; 47% female).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Children reporting LC (17.6% of the sample) were characterized by a lower self-esteem and less secure attachment toward both of their parents. No gender differences emerged. Moreover, the relation between self-esteem and LC was fully mediated by attachment toward mother and partially mediated by attachment toward father.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The present study provides preliminary evidence for the idea that the influence of self-esteem on LC seems to operate through a third variable that is an insecure relationship with the parents. Longitudinal research is needed to further elucidate the influence of interpersonal factors on the development of LC.
authors: Department of Developmental, Personality and Social Psychology, Ghent University, Henri Dunantlaan 2, 9000 Gent, Belgium. Lien.Goossens@UGent.be
authors: Lien
authors: L
authors: Goossens
authors: Caroline
authors: C
authors: Braet
authors: Guy
authors: G
authors: Bosmans
authors: Veerle
authors: V
authors: Decaluwé
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001530:Belgium; D002648:Child; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D009769:Object Attachment; D010287:Parent-Child Relations; D010553:Personality Development; D012649:Self Concept; D012647:Self-Assessment; D017678:Sex Distribution; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires