SOCIAL, PSYCHOLOGICAL AND PHYSICAL CORRELATES OF EATING PROBLEMS - A STUDY OF THE GENERAL ADOLESCENT POPULATION IN NORWAY

The characteristics and concurrent predictors of eating problems were identified. Ninety-seven per cent of a representative sample of Norweg ian adolescents (N = 11315) completed a questionnaire containing a 12- item version of the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT) and measures of a larg e number of physiological, psychological and social factors previously suggested to be of aetiological importance. Social class, drug use an d indicators of 'the model child' (high grades, high occupational aspi rations and much homework) were not related to eating problems. Logist ic regression analyses identified perceived obesity as the strongest a ssociated factor, followed by gender, depression, excessive exercise a nd unstable self-perceptions. In addition, adopting idols with perfect bodies, body dissatisfaction, low self-worth, feminine sex-role orien tation, lack of parental care, early pubertal timing, age and number o f alcohol intoxications all added to the probability of eating problem s. About 6% perceived themselves as obese in spite of subnormal BMI. S uch misperceptions increased the risk of high scores on EAT.