An ethnic comparison of eating attitudes and associated psychological problems in young British women

Author(s): Reveley, C., Palmer, R.

Journal/Book: Int J Eating Disorder. 1998; 23: 605 Third Ave, New York, NY 10158-0012. John Wiley & Sons Inc. 317-323.

Abstract: Objective: The study aimed to investigate possible differences in eating attitudes/problems and associated psychological problems in young women of differing ethnic origin. Method: In a city with a relatively high Asian population (with a background in the Indian subcontinent), 235 young women aged 18-27 registered with a general practice responded to a postal questionnaire. The questionnaire examined eating and weight problems (including the 26-item Eating Attitudes Test), sell-esteem (measured by the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale), and general psychological well-being (measured by The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale). We also included three short vignettes designed to assess illness perception and health seeking-behavior. Results: We found relatively little difference in eating attitudes and problems according to ethnicity, although self-induced vomiting for weight control was more common among Caucasian women. Neither was there any difference in self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and illness perception. Discussion: The results suggest that one cannot generalize about eating problems across the Asian population and a more sophisticated approach to the examination of sociocultural factors is recommended.

Note: Article Button E, Leicester Gen Hosp, Brandon Mental Hlth Unit, Gwendolen Rd, Leicester LE5 4PW, Leics, ENGLAND

Keyword(s): epidemiology; culture/ethnicity; eating problems; PERCEIVED PARENTAL CONTROL; SCHOOLGIRLS

Zurück | Weiter