Disturbances in Eating Behavior and Body Image: The Role of Attachment, Media Internalization, and Self-objectification

Abstract

ObjectiveResearch has increasingly demonstrated the need to conceptualize the etiology of eating disorders beyond a sole focus on body image disturbance. Attachment patterns, media internalization, and self-objectification have been previously found to play a potential role in the development and maintenance of eating psychopathology. MethodThis study 1) examined the associations between eating behavior, body dissatisfaction, attachment, media internalization, and self-objectification, 2) evaluated media internalization and self-objectification as mediators of the relationship between insecure attachment patterns and both eating disorder symptomatology and body dissatisfaction, and 3) explored predictors of eating behavior in a sample of 252 Lebanese individuals between the ages of 18 and 25. ResultsEating disorder symptomatology was positively correlated with body dissatisfaction, insecure attachment patterns, media internalization, and self-objectification. Positive associations between attachment anxiety and avoidance and eating disorder symptomatology were mediated by media internalization and self-objectification. Positive associations between attachment anxiety and avoidance and body dissatisfaction were also mediated by media internalization and self-objectification. Body dissatisfaction, media internalization, attachment anxiety and avoidance, and self-objectification were identified as predictors of eating behavior, with media internalization accounting for the highest variance in eating behavior. ConclusionsInsecure attachment, heightened susceptibility to internalizing unrealistic media portrayals, and an objectifying self-concept were found to be associated with eating disorder symptomatology and body image dissatisfaction. Findings were interpreted in light of suggested directions and considerations for the design of prevention and intervention programs.