Beyond shape and weight: exploring the relationship between nonbody determinants of self-esteem and eating disorder symptoms in adolescent females.

Abstract

Recent research using the Shape and Weight-Based Self-Esteem (SAWBS) Inventory has shown that basing self-esteem on shape and weight is related to eating disorder and psychiatric symptoms. This study examined the relationship between other determinants of self-esteem assessed in the SAWBS Inventory (e.g., friendships, intimate relationships, school/work competence) and eating disorder and psychological health variables. Female high school adolescents (N = 235) participated in this study. The relative contribution of the self-esteem dimensions to eating disorder and self-esteem was examined. In addition to shape and weight, basing self-esteem on intimate relationships was also related to higher eating disorder symptoms and lower body and global self-esteem. The only protective factors to emerge in this study were basing self-esteem on competence at school and other activities. Basing self-esteem on intimate relationships was associated with similar physical and health problems to basing self-esteem on shape and weight. The implications of these findings with regard to healthy adolescent development are addressed.