J Korean Acad Psychiatr Ment Health Nurs.  2012 Sep;21(3):176-187.

Eating Attitudes, Depression, Parent-child Interaction, and Family Function of Adolescent Girls

• Baek S
• Park J
• Kim H
• Kim T

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of the study was to investigate the prevalence of abnormal eating attitudes and to identify possible risk factors associated with these attitudes among Korean adolescent girls.
METHODS
A convenience sample of 1,126 girls aged 15 to 19 years was recruited from thirteen high schools. A self-report survey was conducted including Eating Attitude Test for diagnosing abnormal eating attitudes. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression with PASW statistics 18.0.
RESULTS
Of the participants, 8.3% met the criteria for abnormal eating attitudes. Misperception of body image, depression, and high or low economical status were significantly associated with abnormal eating attitudes (OR=3.50, 95% CI=1.95~6.28; OR=5.47, 95% CI=3.17~9.44; OR=2.26, 95% CI=1.14~4.47; OR=2.41, 95% CI=1.25~4.66).
CONCLUSION
The current study identified the family factors as well as internal ones related to abnormal eating attitudes of Korean adolescent girls. The results indicate that the most effective prevention strategies for this population would be to correct their misperception of body image and control depression. Results also suggest that further studies are necessary to develop a predictive model that could explain the influence of family factors including parent-child interaction and family function to abnormal eating attitudes.

Keyword

Adolescent; Body image; Depression; Eating disorders; Parent-child relations

MeSH Terms

Adolescent
Aged
Body Image
Depression
Eating
Feeding and Eating Disorders
Humans
Logistic Models
Parent-Child Relations
Prevalence
Risk Factors

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