Graduation Year
2014
Publication Date
Spring 2014
Abstract
The present study examined the relationship between body dissatisfaction and maladaptive behaviors related to disordered eating. Specifically, normative beliefs for these behaviors were hypothesized to mediate the relationship between body dissatisfaction and maladaptive behaviors. Fifty-one college females were surveyed regarding their body dissatisfaction (using the Photographic Figures Rating Scale), normative beliefs about eating, dieting, and other weight-loss strategies (using a newly created measure, the Disordered Eating Normative beliefs Scale, DENS), as well as disordered eating behaviors (using the EAT-26), BMI, and campus organization affiliations. Comparisons between sorority affiliation and athlete status revealed no significant differences of body dissatisfaction, disordered eating, or BMI values. The mediational model was not supported; however, normative beliefs (via the DENS) were significant independent predictors of maladaptive behaviors. Limitations and future directions are discussed.
Disciplines
Psychology
Recommended Citation
Jurkovic, Antonia, "Normative Beliefs as a Mediator between Body Dissatisfaction and Disordered Eating" (2014). Honors Projects. 162.
https://digitalcommons.iwu.edu/psych_honproj/162