Evaluation of the cognitive-behavioral model of eating disorders in Iranian student women

Abstract

Background Validity of the cognitive-behavioral model of eating disorders model has not be examined among women of Eastern socities. Thus, the current study aimed to explore the validity of cognitive behavioral model of eating disorders in Iranian student women. Methods Five hundred sixteen student women completed a battery of questionnaires. Results The path anlysis results idicated that both models provided a good fit. In the original model, overvaluation of shape and weight associated with dietary restraint and binge eating (.51). Binge eating and dietary restraint correlated with purging (.18 & .20). However, there was a weak, non-significant negative path between Dietary Restraint and Binge Eating (-.03). In the enhanced model of eating disorders, significant path was revealed between self-esteem and overvaluation of shape and weight (-.21); clinical perfectionism and overvaluation of shape and weightv (.17); Overvaluation of shape and weight and dietary restraint (.51); Overvaluation of shape and weight and binge eating (.63); binge eating and purging (.18); dietary restraint and purging (.15); and interpersonal problems and binge eating (.13). However, clinical perfectionism was not significantly associated with dietary restraint (.07). Distress tolerance did not significantly correlate with binge eating (-.02) and purging (-.06). Interpersonal problems were not associated with dietary restraint (-.02) and purging (.09). Finally, dietary restraint did not correlate with binge eating (-.02). Conclusion The findings provide preliminary evidence for cross-cultural validity of the original and enhanced CB- BN models in Iranian population. It implies that this model can be used as a basis for further understanding of eating problems in Iranian women and their treatment.