Eating habits, body-esteem and self-esteem in Scottish children and adolescents

J Psychosom Res. 1998 Nov;45(5):425-31. doi: 10.1016/s0022-3999(98)00025-7.

Abstract

Two hundred ninety-nine girls, from primary school grade 6 to senior school grade 4 classes in a Scottish, independent, single-gender school completed three questionnaires assessing body-esteem, self-esteem, and eating behavior. The aim of the study was threefold: to see whether there was a significant increase in more abnormal eating habits during adolescence; to see whether there was a significant decline in body-esteem during adolescence; and to see whether there was any association between eating habits, body-esteem, and self-esteem. The results provided some evidence in support of the first two hypotheses and also indicated a strong association between a low level of self-esteem and dislike of body shape, and an abnormal pattern of eating. The risks and implications of dieting in this age group are also discussed.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Age Factors
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Body Image*
  • Child
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Feeding Behavior*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Psychology, Adolescent*
  • Self Concept*
  • Statistics, Nonparametric
  • Surveys and Questionnaires