Predictive Factors of Disordered Eating and Body Image Satisfaction in Cyprus

ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess possible relationships and predictor variables between disordered eating attitudes and behaviors, the internalization of the thin ideal construct, body image satisfaction, body image investment, weight-related anxiety, and body mass index (BMI) among Greek-Cypriot female university students in Cyprus. MethodA total of 243 female university students responded to self-report measures assessing disordered eating, internalization of the thin ideal, body satisfaction, body image investment, and weight-related anxiety. ResultsDisordered eating was positively correlated to the internalization of the thin ideal, body image investment, weight-related anxiety, and BMI and negatively correlated with body image satisfaction. The internalization of the thin ideal was also positively correlated to weight-related anxiety and body image investment and negatively correlated to body image satisfaction. Furthermore, weight-related anxiety and internalization of the thin ideal have been found to be significant predictors of disordered eating attitudes. DiscussionPossible explanations and vulnerability factors are addressed, as well as implication for prevention strategies and future research. (c) 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2015; 48:431-435)