Risk factors for the emergence of childhood eating disturbances: A five-year prospective study

Author(s): Agras, W. S., Hammer, L. D.

Journal/Book: Int J Eating Disorder. 1999; 25: 605 Third Ave, New York, NY 10158-0012, USA. John Wiley & Sons Inc. 375-387.

Abstract: Objective: Research suggests that eating problems are often present by preadolescence, yet little is known about the age of emergence of these early eating disturbances or risk factors for these behaviors. Thus, we investigated the timing of onset of disturbed eating during childhood and the predictors of these behaviors. Method: These aims were addressed by following a sample of. Children and their parents (N = 216) for the first 5 years of the childrens' lives. Results: Data suggested that the risk for emergence of inhibited eating, secretive eating overeating, and vomiting increased annually through age 5. Maternal body dissatisfaction, internalization of the thin-ideal, dieting, bulimic symptoms, and maternal and paternal body mass prospectively predicted the emergence of childhood eating disturbances. Infant feeding behavior and body mass during the first month of life also predicted the emergence of these behaviors. Discussion: Results suggest that eating disturbances emerge during childhood and may be a function of certain parental and child characteristics.

Note: Article Stice E, Univ Texas, Dept Psychol, 330 Mezes Hall, Austin,TX 78712 USA

Keyword(s): childhood; risk factors; eating problems; ADOLESCENT GIRLS; DIETARY RESTRAINT; BULIMIA; INVENTORY; DISORDERS; VALIDITY; CHILDREN; NERVOSA

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