Low Self-Esteem and Life Satisfaction as a Significant Risk Factor for Eating Disorders among Adolescents

Abstract

Background: Eating disorders are a problem that is becoming more and more common among younger and younger age groups. Many studies examine the risk factors for EDs, however, the treatment of these diseases is very complicated and requires dietary, psychological and medical intervention. Methods: 233 primary and secondary school students aged 12 to 19 were surveyed using the EAT-26 (Eating Attitudes Test-26) questionnaire, the self-esteem Scale SES and the Cantril scale for life satisfaction. Results: Women, when compared to men, showed lower self-esteem, satisfaction with their appearance, body weight and their lives and at the same time a higher risk of eating disorders in all three areas. Low life satisfaction is often correlated with weight loss greater than 10 kg. Low self-esteem correlated positively with significant weight loss (>10 kg) and more frequent uncontrollable binge eating and exercising (more than 60 min a day) to influence appearance. People with low self-esteem were more likely to be treated for EDs. Subjects dissatisfied with their lives binged, feeling that they could not stop. Conclusion: The younger the person, the more likely they are to develop eating disorders. This is closely correlated with low self-esteem and negative life satisfaction. Men were more likely to be satisfied with their weight, appearance, and life, and were less likely to show ED symptoms.

Determinants of Binge Eating Behaviours in Adolescents

“…This is supported by the finding that binge eating symptomatology was associated with a lower level of self-esteem (Cella et al, 2021). However, some studies have found that students with high self-esteem are less likely to suffer from eating disorders, including binge eating (Pelc et al, 2023). It is important to note that the relationship between selfesteem and binge eating is complex and may depend on various factors.…”

The Risk of Eating Disorders in Adolescent Athletes: How We Might Address This Phenomenon?

“…A high prevalence of ED was also found in university students [ 21 , 22 ]. In the international context, some studies have reported a higher prevalence of ED in female adolescents [ 23 , 24 , 25 ], while other research has reported no differences of ED between sexes [ 26 , 27 ].…”

I have self-compassion so I feel sexy! Sexual satisfaction and self-compassion effects on self-esteem and body esteem

“…ody esteem, self-esteem, and sexual satisfaction are factors affecting people's well-being (Paradise & Kernis, 2002;Olenik-Shemesh et al, 2018;Vasconcelos et al, 2022) and their low level contributes to reduced satisfaction with life (Vasconcelos et al, 2022;Pelc et al, 2023). However, body esteem, self-esteem, and sexual satisfaction are related (Castellini et al, 2017;Claudat & Warren, 2014;Taleporos & McCabe, 2002), so it is important to look for psychological factors that may contribute to their parallel improvement.…”