Body dissatisfaction and disordered eating among Portuguese and Spanish adolescents: the role of individual characteristics and internalisation of sociocultural ideals

Rita Francisco, Paola Espinoza, Marcela L. González, Eva Penelo, Marisol Mora, Rocío Rosés, Rosa M. Raich*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

33 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore the differences in patterns of risk factors for body dissatisfaction and disordered eating attitudes in both female and male adolescents from Portugal and Spain. The sample included 455 adolescents aged 12-16 years (M=13.28, SD=0.65) from two urban areas of each country. Body mass index, self-reported self-esteem, perfectionism, internalisation of sociocultural ideals, body dissatisfaction and disordered eating attitudes were assessed. Path analyses provided partial support for a cross-cultural model of body dissatisfaction and disordered eating in Western countries due to the presence of certain differences in the patterns of relationships across sex and country. The findings suggest the importance not only of identifying cultural specificities, even in "neighbouring" countries, but also of developing a global and comprehensive preventive approach that focuses on the influence of the ideal of beauty transmitted by Western societies.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)7-16
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of Adolescence
Volume41
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jun 2015
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Body dissatisfaction
  • Cultural differences
  • Disordered eating
  • Gender differences
  • Internalisation

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