Examination of a sociocultural model of disordered eating among male and female adolescents

Halliwell, Emma; Harvey, Martin

Abstract

Objectives. The study tests a version of Stice's (1994) sociocultural model of disordered eating that was modified to incorporate social comparisons. Additionally, it examines how self-reported body-mass index and perceived weight status influence associations within the model. Method. Questionnaires were administered in a state secondary school; the sample consisted of 250 female and 257 male adolescents aged 11-16 years. Results. The results supported the sociocultural model among both male and female adolescents. Perceived pressure to lose weight was directly associated with eating behaviour, as well as indirectly associated through social comparisons, internalization and body dissatisfaction. However, social comparisons were most strongly related to body dissatisfaction among adolescents who perceived themselves as overweight. Conclusions. The findings indicate that models of eating disordered behaviour, developed for adolescent girls, are also appropriate for understanding this behaviour among male adolescents. The results suggest that social comparisons represent a useful addition to Stice's (1994) original model and a potentially fruitful target for interventions. © 2006 The British Psychological Society.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: May 1, 2006
• Journal: British Journal of Health Psychology
• Print ISSN: 1359-107X
• Electronic ISSN: 2044-8287
• Publisher: Wiley
• Peer Reviewed: Not Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 11
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 235-248
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1348/135910705X39214
• Keywords: sociocultural model, disordered eating, male, female, adolescents
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/1039172
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1348/135910705X39214
• Additional Information: Additional Information : This study used a variety of measures to construct a sociocultural model of disordered eating. The findings indicate that models of eating disorder developed for girls are also appropriate for understanding male behaviour. The paper highlights the importance of prevention programmes targeting pre-adolescents.