Gender traits and self-concept as indicators of problem eating and body dissatisfaction among children

The present study was designed to examine the role of gender traits, body m ass index (BMI), and self-concept in predicting levels of problem eating an d body dissatisfaction among both girls and boys aged between 8 and 10 (85% were Anglo-Australian Caucasian, 15% were Caucasians from non-English back grounds). Two hundred and two children completed questionnaires, which exam ined problem-eating attitudes and behaviors, body dissatisfaction, gender t raits, and self-concept. Children's height and weight were measured to dete rmine children's BMI. Gender traits predicted problem eating for boys but n ot for girls. BMI was also a predictor of problems for girls. The only pred ictor of body dissatisfaction for boys and girls was BMI. The findings are discussed in light of previous research, which has been conducted, on adole scents. Further studies are needed to understand more fully the development of problem eating and body dissatisfaction before the onset of puberty and adolescence.