The relationship of social physique anxiety to risk for developing an eating disorder in young females.

Abstract

To examine the relationships of age, social physique anxiety, and body image dissatisfaction to preoccupation with body weight and shape in young females. Height, weight, and skinfold measurements were obtained from 77 nonobese females (7 to 16 years). Social physique anxiety, body image, and preoccupation with body weight and shape were assessed from the Social Physique Anxiety Scale (SPAS), a Body Image Questionnaire (BIQ), and the Eating Disorder Inventory (EDI). Data were analyzed using Pearson correlations, Chi-square, and hierarchical and stepwise multiple regression. Social physique anxiety was moderately correlated to body image dissatisfaction and body weight and shape concerns. Young females who were more anxious about their physique preferred a smaller body shape and experienced more body weight and shape concerns than those less anxious. The SPAS was a stronger predictor for the EDI scales Body Dissatisfaction and Drive for Thinness than the BIQ or age. Social physique anxiety related to a negative body image and risk for developing an eating disorder as assessed by Body Dissatisfaction and Drive for Thinness in young females.