Disordered eating and internalizing symptoms in preadolescence

This study examined the associations between disordered eating, anxiety, and depression in 213 preadolescents using self ‐report questionnaires. There were strong associations between anxiety, depression, and disordered eating, and no gender differences present. These findings highlight the importance of early detection for disordered eating behaviors and attitudes, as well as anxiety and depression in both boys and girls during preadolescence. AbstractObjectivesResearch has demonstrated links between disordered eating, anxiety, and depression in adults and adolescents but there is limited research investigating these associations in preadolescence. The current study examined the associations between disordered eating, anxiety, and depression during preadolescence, as well as the role of gender in moderating these associations.MethodTwo hundred and thirteen children (M = 10.3 years; 51.2% male) reported levels of disordered eating (ChEAT) and anxiety and depression symptoms (RCADS‐25).ResultsRegression analyses support an association between disordered eating and both anxiety and depression in preadolescence. Overall, there were no significant differences between boys and girls when the main effect was examined, which differs from research in adolescents.DiscussionThese findings highlight the importance of early detection for disordered eating behaviors and attitudes, as well as anxiety and depression in both boys and girls during preadolescence. Longitudinal research ...
Source: Brain and Behavior - Category: Neurology Authors: Tags: ORIGINAL RESEARCH Source Type: research