Risk factors in eating disorders: eating habits and self-attribution in a Mexican sample of school children

In order to determine the existence of risk factors related with eating dis orders, a questionnaire on eating habits, eating problems as well as self-a ttribution scale and parental relationship items, was applied to a sample o f 200 Mexican school children. Public schools children consume more carbohy drates than those of private schools. Eating problems were found more frequ ently among boys than girls. On the other hand, the girls reported to have more authoritarian relationships with their parents. The negative self-attr ibution was related with eating problems and authoritarian parental relatio nships.