Disturbed Eating Research Articles

Difficulty eating and significant weight loss in joint hypermobility syndrome/Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, hypermobility type.

Joint Hypermobility Syndrome, also known as Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Hypermobility Type (JHS/EDS-HT), is a heritable disorder of connective tissue, common but poorly known by the medical community. Although generalized joint hypermobility and fragility of tissues have been described as core features, recent research highlights the multisystemic nature of JHS/EDS-HT, which presents with a wide range of articular and extra-articular symptoms. Among these, gastrointestinal problems, temporomandibular disorders, and smell and taste abnormalities are common among those affected, having significant implications for eating. The present work reviews the literature linking JHS/EDS-HT and eating problems. Two illustrative case reports, in which JHS/EDS-HT manifestations contribute to developing and maintaining disturbed eating behaviors and significant weight loss, are presented.

Variants of early-onset restrictive eating disturbances in middle childhood.

This study sought to determine the factor structure of the newly developed self-report screening questionnaire Eating Disturbances in Youth-Questionnaire (EDY-Q) as well as to report the distribution of variants of early-onset restrictive eating disturbances characteristic of avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) in a middle childhood population sample. Using the EDY-Q, a total of 1,444 children aged 8-13 years were screened in elementary schools in Switzerland via self-report. The factor analysis of the 12 items covering ARFID related symptoms was performed using a principal component analysis (PCA). The PCA showed a four factor solution, with clear allocation to the scales covering three variants of early-onset restrictive eating disturbances and weight problems. Inadequate overall food intake was reported by 19.3% of the children, a limited accepted amount of food by 26.1%, and food avoidance based on a specific underlying fear by 5.0%. The postulated factor structure of the EDY-Q was confirmed, further supporting the existence of distinct variants of early-onset restrictive eating disturbances. Avoidant/restrictive eating behavior seems to be a common experience in middle childhood, but results have to be confirmed using validated interviews.

Detailed volumetric analysis of the hypothalamus in behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia

Abnormal eating behaviors are frequently reported in behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD). The hypothalamus is the regulatory center for feeding and satiety but its involvement in bvFTD has not been fully clarified, partly due to its difficult identification on MR images. We measured hypothalamic volume in 18 patients with bvFTD (including 9 MAPT and 6 C9orf72 mutation carriers) and 18 cognitively normal controls using a novel optimized multimodal segmentation protocol, combining 3D T1 and T2-weighted 3T MRIs (intrarater intraclass correlation coefficients ≥0.93). The whole hypothalamus was subsequently segmented into five subunits: the anterior (superior and inferior), tuberal (superior and inferior), and posterior regions. The presence of abnormal eating behavior was assessed with the revised version of the Cambridge Behavioural Inventory (CBI-R). The bvFTD group showed a 17 % lower hypothalamic volume compared with controls (p < 0.001): mean 783 (standard deviation 113) versus 944 (73) mm3 (corrected for total intracranial volume). In the hypothalamic subunit analysis, the superior parts of the anterior and tuberal regions and the posterior region were significantly smaller in the bvFTD group compared with controls. There was a trend for a smaller hypothalamic volume, particularly in the superior tuberal region, in those with severe eating disturbance scores on the CBI-R. Differences were seen between the two genetic subgroups with significantly smaller volumes in the MAPT but not the C9orf72 group compared with controls. In summary, bvFTD patients had lower hypothalamic volumes compared with controls. Different genetic mutations may have a differential impact on the hypothalamus.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s00415-015-7885-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Predicting eating disturbances in Turkish adult females: Examining the role of intimate partner violence and perfectionism

We examined the relationships between intimate partner violence (IPV), perfectionism, and eating disturbances, namely, excessive dieting and bulimia, in a sample of 149 Turkish female college students. Results of conducting hierarchical regression analyses indicated that IPV accounted for significant variance in both excessive dieting and bulimic symptoms. The inclusion of perfectionism was found to predict additional variance in eating disturbances, beyond IPV. Specifically, we found parental expectations to be a significant predictor of dieting, and personal standards, doubts about actions, and parental criticism to be significant predictors of bulimia. Some implications for understanding eating disturbances in Turkish women are discussed.

Biopsychosocial correlates of dietary intent in middle school girls

Adolescent girls commonly engage in weight management and dietary restriction with the hopes of changing their bodies to more closely approximate social body ideals. The purpose of this study was to examine biopsychosocial factors that predict dietary restraint. Participants (n=774, Mage=12.38) completed measures of dietary intent, pubertal status, sociocultural pressures, body comparison, internalization, body dissatisfaction, social support, and general self-esteem. Height, weight, and cardiorespiratory fitness were objectively measured. Pressures to lose weight and gain muscle mass, internalization of social body ideals, and friend support predicted higher levels of dietary intent; cardiorespiratory fitness predicted lower levels of dietary intent. Girls who experience pressure, adopt social body ideals as their own, and experience social support from friends may be at increased risk for disturbed eating attitudes and behaviors. Fitness may offer a protective effect against psychological and social risk factors. Additional research is needed to establish the causal nature of these relationships and determine effective methods for reducing disordered eating risk among adolescent girls.

Physical activity is unrelated to cognitive performance in pre-bariatric surgery patients

ObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between physical activity (PA) and cognitive performance in extreme obesity. MethodsSeventy-one bariatric surgery candidates (77.5% women) with a mean body mass index (BMI) of 46.9kg/m2 (SD=6.0) and a mean age of 41.4 (SD=11.9) years completed SenseWear Pro2 activity monitoring for seven days. Cognitive functioning was assessed by a computerized test battery including tasks of executive function (Iowa Gambling Task), visuospatial short-term memory (Corsi Block Tapping Test) and verbal short-term memory (Auditory-Verbal Learning Test). Questionnaires assessing eating disturbances and depressive symptoms were administered. Somatic comorbidities were assessed by medical chart review. ResultsThe level of PA was low with mean steps per day within wear time being 7140 (SD=3422). Most patients were categorized as sedentary (31.0%) or low active (26.8%). No significant association between PA estimates and cognitive performance was found. Lower PA was modestly correlated with higher BMI but not with age, somatic comorbidity or depressive symptoms. Moderated regression analyses suggested a significant interaction effect between depression and PA in predicting performance on the Corsi Block Tapping Test. Patients with (29.6%) and without (70.4%) regular binge eating did not differ with respect to PA or cognitive function. ConclusionThe findings indicate no association between daily PA and cognitive performance in morbidly obese patients. Future studies should explore the relationship between the variables with regard to dose–response-questions, a broader BMI range and with respect to potential changes after substantial weight loss due to bariatric surgery.

Early-onset restrictive eating disturbances in primary school boys and girls.

This study sought to determine the distribution of early-onset restrictive eating disturbances characteristic of the new DSM-5 diagnosis, avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) in middle childhood, as well as to evaluate the screening instrument, Eating Disturbances in Youth-Questionnaire (EDY-Q). A total of 1,444 8- to 13-year-old children were screened in regular schools (3rd to 6th grade) in Switzerland using the self-report measure EDY-Q, consisting of 12 items based on the DSM-5 criteria for ARFID. 46 children (3.2 %) reported features of ARFID in the self-rating. Group differences were found for body mass index, with underweight children reporting features of ARFID more often than normal and overweight children. The EDY-Q revealed good psychometric properties, including adequate discriminant and convergent validity. Early-onset restrictive eating disturbances are commonly reported in middle childhood. Because of possible negative short- and long-term impact, early detection is essential. Further studies with structured interviews and parent reports are needed to confirm this study’s findings.

Moderators and mediators of outcome in Internet-based indicated prevention for eating disorders

The objective of this study was to investigate moderators and mediators of the effect of an indicated prevention program for eating disorders (ED) on reduction of dysfunctional attitudes and specific ED symptoms. 126 women (M age = 22.3; range 18–33) reporting subthreshold ED symptoms were randomized to the Student Bodies™+ (SB+) intervention or an assessment-only control condition. Assessments took place at pre-intervention, mid-intervention (mediators), post-intervention, and 6-month follow-up. Mixed effects modeling including all available data from all time points were used for the data analysis. Intervention effects on the reduction of binge rate were weaker for participants with higher baseline BMI and for participants with a lower baseline purge rate. Intervention effects on reduction of eating disorder pathology were weaker for participants with higher baseline purge rate and with initial restrictive eating. No moderators of the intervention effect on restrictive eating were identified. An increase in knowledge mediated the beneficial effect of SB+ on binge rate. The results suggest that different moderators should be considered for the reduction of symptoms and change in attitudes of disturbed eating and that SB+ at least partially operates through psychoeducation.

Body satisfaction, emotional intelligence, and the development of disturbed eating: a survey of Taiwanese students.

This study explored the relationship between adolescents' emotional intelligence and the tendency to develop an eating disorder. Senior high school students in Taiwan were recruited for the study. A 3- part anonymous questionnaire measured demographic information, body weight satisfaction, and expectation of body weight. Students also completed the Adolescent Emotional Intelligence Scale and the Eating Disorders Attitude- 26 Test (EAT-26). Height and weight were also measured. The mean of EAT-26 score was 8.66 ± 7.36, and 8.6% students were at high risk to develop eating disorders. Gender, body weight, body dissatisfaction and the expected body shape were significantly related to disturbed eating attitudes and behaviours. Scores of EAT-26 were positively correlated with emotional perception, emotional expression, and emotional application. Disturbed eating behaviours exist among adolescents in Taiwan, and these behaviours may be related to emotional intelligence. However further studies with larger samples are needed.

Perfectionistic cognitions and eating disturbance: Distinct mediational models for males and females

ObjectivePerfectionism has long been known to correlate with eating disturbance (ED). One mechanism through which this personality tendency may lead to ED is through increasing one's daily perfectionistic thoughts. This study examined the mediating role of perfectionistic thinking in the personality perfectionism–ED relationship among both male and female college students, and included measures assessing both typically-male and typically-female ED symptoms. MethodA majority-White sample of 140 males and 329 females completed online versions of the Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (Hewitt & Flett, 1991), Perfectionism Cognitions Inventory (Flett, Hewitt, Blankstein, & Gray, 1998), Drive for Muscularity Scale (McCreary, Sasse, Saucier, & Dorsch, 2004), items from the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (Fairburn, 2008), and other measures. Regression tests examined the hypothesized role of perfectionistic cognitions as a mediator, including participant age, BMI, and positive and negative affect as covariates. ResultsAmong women, relationships between both self-oriented (Sobel's statistic=−4.63, p<.001) and socially prescribed perfectionism (Sobel's statistic=−5.77, p<.001) and dieting behavior were fully mediated by increased perfectionistic thinking. Among men, however, the relationship between only self-oriented perfectionism and bulimic (but not dieting) behavior, was fully mediated by increased perfectionistic thinking (Sobel's statistic=−2.53, p=.01). ConclusionsPerfectionistic cognitions play an important linking role between personality perfectionism and ED, and can illuminate important differences by gender in eating disturbance. Such findings can improve validity of ED assessment in both genders, and provide a clear pathway to interventions to decrease ED in both genders.

Palliativmedizin in der HNO-Heilkunde

The aim of palliative care is to improve the quality of life (QOL) of patients with a limited life expectancy in a comprehensive multidisciplinary approach. It encompasses consideration of medical, physical, psychosocial and spiritual problems, including treatment and help from a team of various professionals. Palliative care often extents to the patient's families and may continue after the death of the patient. Half of all head and neck cancer patients will die of their malignancy within 5years of diagnosis. The primary medical issues affecting QOL at the end of life are communication problems due to laryngectomy or tracheostomy, disturbed eating and drinking due to surgery and radiotherapy, edematous changes of the face and neck with resultant functional and cosmetic consequences, as well as strong-smelling ulcerated wounds, which often lead to social isolation. General symptoms occurring at the end of life include pain, anxiety, different types of dyspnea and acute bleeding. All therapeutic approaches applied during the last phase of life must be questioned regarding their real efficacy and side effects. Consideration of the patient's wishes is of the highest priority.

'I felt weird and wobbly.' Child-reported impacts associated with a dental general anaesthetic

This qualitative study sought to obtain children's accounts of having dental extractions under general anaesthesia (GA). The aim was to gain greater understanding of the physical and psychological impacts from a child's perspective. Ten children, aged 6-11 years, maintained a video diary to document their feelings and experiences before, and following their hospital admission. Two semi-structured home interviews supplemented the video diary data and analysis was guided by narrative approaches. This research revealed new insights into children's experiences of having teeth removed under GA. Several of the post-operative impacts correlated with those previously reported by parents/carers. These were notably nausea, bleeding and tiredness, although children used different terminology. However, additional physical and psychological outcomes, both positive and negative, emerged from the children's narratives. Negative aspects included hunger, disturbed eating, being scared/worried and experiencing discomfort from the IV cannula. Interestingly, pain was not a strong theme. Positive outcomes were also reported, such as satisfaction with the resolution of their dental problem and receipt of rewards and attention from family members. These accounts have implications for improving patient experiences and outcomes throughout the dental GA care pathway. A review of pre-operative fasting protocols should be a priority.

Social Physique Anxiety and Disturbed Eating Attitudes and Behaviors in Adolescents: Moderating Effects of Sport, Sport-Related Characteristics, and Gender

The involvement of adolescents presenting high levels of social physique anxiety (SPA) in sport practice has been hypothesized as potentially problematic in terms of being associated with disturbed eating attitudes and behaviors (DEAB). Indeed, sport practice itself has been reported to be associated with higher levels of SPA and DEAB, and sport settings may sometimes promote unhealthy life habits. Nevertheless, current studies are few and present several limitations. The objective of the present study was to examine these relationships among adolescents involved or not in various types (i.e., leanness and individual) and contexts (i.e., organized and competitive) of sport practice. The sample included 766 French adolescents (337 boys and 429 girls), aged between 11 and 18years, involved (n = 335) or not (n = 431) in sport practice. SPA and DEAB were assessed using French adaptations of the SPA scale and the Eating Attitudes Test-26. The results reveal a significant and positive association between SPA and the DEAB scales. Furthermore, they show a positive relationship between SPA and (a) vomiting-purging behaviors in adolescents involved in individual sports and (b) generic DEAB (i.e., a subscale covering fear of getting fat, food preoccupation, and eating-related guilt), particularly in adolescents involved in individual sports. The relationship between SPA and DEAB does not differ according to adolescents' involvement in sport practice or according to their involvement in organized, competitive, or leanness sport practice more specifically. However, higher levels of SPA and DEAB were observed in adolescents involved in individual sports.

In the parents’ view: weight perception accuracy, disturbed eating patterns and mental health problems among young adolescents

BackgroundAn accurate weight perception has been associated with motivation to change eating habits in the case of under- or overweight. However, recent studies have reported frequent misperceptions among parents and their offspring, both in the form of under- and overestimation of weight status. The aim of the present study was to investigate weight perception accuracy among parents of young adolescents in relation to reports on disturbed eating patterns and mental health problems.MethodsWeight perception accuracy was assessed among parents of young adolescents (N = 5,781, aged 11 - 13 years) who participated in the ongoing Bergen Child Study (BCS). Parental weight perception was classified in overestimation, underestimation and accurate. Other measures included demographic variables, the parents’ evaluations of disturbed eating patterns and mental health problems among their offspring as well as the adolescents’ own weight perception accuracy.ResultsThe parents accurately perceived more than 80% of normal weight adolescents, but nearly 60% of the underweight adolescents were overestimated, and a substantial proportion of overweight girls (34. 8%) and boys (12.8%) were underestimated. In general, parents who were aware of deviations from average weight in their child also reported higher levels of disturbed eating patterns, emotional problems, and behavioral problems. After controlling for demographic factors, the risk of parental over- and underestimation was significantly predicted by weight status, the adolescents’ weight perception accuracy as well as disturbed eating patterns reported by the parents (p < .05).ConclusionsAdolescents with under- or overweight proved most likely to be misperceived by their parents in this study. The pattern of perceptually correcting deviations from normal weight was interpreted as a positivity bias among the parents. These results suggest that weight perception accuracy should be targeted in family-focused interventions in order to strengthen adequate weight control among young adolescents.

Disturbed eating tendency and related factors in grade four to six elementary school students in Taiwan.

This study investigated Taiwanese elementary school students' status in terms of body size, body satisfaction and disturbed eating tendencies. In a cross-sectional survey, 1,261 elementary school children from grades four to six participated in this study. We used an anonymous selfreported questionnaire, which included: demographics and body satisfaction; Children's Eating Attitude Test -26 (ChEAT-26); Nowicki-Strickland Locus of Control Scale; and Influence of Significant Others Scale and Media Impact Scale. We found that 58.4% of the children were of normal weight, and 32.7% of the boys and 22.2% of the girls were over-weight or obese. Moreover, 39% of the children wanted to be thinner. The mean ChEAT-26 score was 8.71±8.35, and 10.5% of the children were at high risk for disturbed eating tendencies (ChEAT-26≥20), including 8.4% of the boys and 12.6% of the girls. Scores on the ChEAT-26, Nowicki-Strickland Locus of Control Scale, Influence of Significant Others Scale and Media Impact Scale were positively correlated. The level of external control and the influence of significant others and the media were significantly higher in children with disturbed eating attitudes than in those without them. Multivariable logistic regressions showed that disturbed eating attitudes were associated with body satisfaction, locus of control, and the level of influence of significant others and the media. Disturbed eating behaviors exist among elementary school students in Taiwan. This survey highlights the need for education in acquiring healthy mental attitudes and eating behaviors by elementary school students.

My Body is a Temple: Eating Disturbances, Religious Involvement, and Mental Health Among Young Adult Women

A growing body of the literature outlines the undesirable mental health consequences of eating disturbances. However, little attention has been given to the possible mitigating effects of cultural institutions, such as religion, in the lives of women suffering from such pathologies. Our work contributes to the literature by (a) outlining a series of arguments linking eating disturbances, religion, and mental health; (b) specifying two conceptual models of these relationships; and (c) testing relevant hypotheses using data on a large nationwide sample of young women. Results indicate that religious involvement-organizational, non-organizational, and subjective religiousness-moderates the effects of eating disturbances on mental health, particularly for self-esteem. Study limitations are identified and several promising directions for future research are discussed.

Body Image, Risk of Disturbed Eating Attitudes and Weight Control of Female Junior High School Students by the Body Mass Index in Seoul

Objectives: In this study, perception of body image, eating attitudes and weight control were examined by the degree of obesity using Body Mass Index (BMI). Methods: Out of 420 questionnaires distributed to the female middle school students (aged 12-16 years), 407 were returned (97% response rate) and 395 were analyzed (94% analysis rate). Female students were divided into two groups based on the BMI percentile using the 2007 Korean National Growth Charts. (1) normal weight (5 percentile ≤ BMI < 85 percentile) (2) obese (85 percentile ≤ BMI) by 2007 Korean National Growth Charts. Satisfaction of self-body shape, risk of disturbed eating attitudes (Eating Attitude Test : EAT-26), and weight control behaviors were examined. Results: Distribution of the subjects by BMI was 74.5% of normal and 25.5% of obese. There were significant differences between self-perceived current body image and self-perceived ideal body image. The dissatisfaction of body image was higher in obese than in normal groups (p < 0.001). 51.4% of female students were unsatisfied with their body image, while 2.6% were very satisfied. Among the students unsatisfied with their body image, 150 (52.1%) were of normal weight and 48 (49.4%) were obese. EAT-26 total scores were significantly higher in the obese group (16.42 ± 8.23) compared with normal group (13.72 ± 8.10) (p < 0.01). Attempted to weight control were significantly different by the BMI (p < 0.001). Conclusions: This study concludes that there was desire to become thinner than current status in female students, even those with normal BMI. Many female students were dissatisfied with their body image and attempted to lose weight. It is harmful to their health and nutritional status if they choose undesirable methods. These findings suggested that there are needs to encourage female students for maintaining healthy weight. A higher score of EAT-26 was associated with dissatisfaction of selfbody image and this may lead to unhealthy behaviors in obese female students. Korean J Community Nutr 19(2): 111~121, 2014

Hospitalization Can Correct Behavioral Feeding Disorders in Children by Resetting the Pedagogic Climate

Background: Behavioral feeding disorders are common among children, which sometimes become progressive, and consequently, children may refuse to eat anything. Parents have lots of difficulties to reset such a disturbed eating pattern. The aim of this study was to perform an analysis of clinical intervention in behavioral feeding disorders in young children. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of data of 28 children aged 1 - 9 years with behavioral feeding disorders. A pediatrician and pediatric social worker conducted the training in two groups: outpatient or inpatient setting. Both groups were treated with parental education and guidance. The inpatient group also had a temporarily (2 weeks) resetting of the pedagogic climate in a pediatric ward of a general hospital under guidance of a pediatric social worker. Results: Almost all parents were inconsistent in applying appropriate behavioral contingencies during meals. Eleven patients followed 8 months of outpatient treatment and 25 patients followed 2 weeks of inpatient treatment. The overall success rate of outpatient treatment after 2 weeks was 18%, and that of inpatient treatment after 8 months was 88%. The corrected relapse rates are 18% and 56% respectively after 6 months. Conclusion: Short clinical intervention in a structured pedagogic environment is a successful treatment in behavioral feeding disorders. Herewith, pediatricians have a powerful tool for treating behavioral feeding disorders by temporarily resetting and changing the pedagogic climate.

Subjective daytime sleepiness, eating disturbances and body mass index in female students

Introduction This report describes associations between subjective measures of sleepiness, eating disturbances and body mass index in female university students. Materials and methods 520 females (mean = 19.3 years, sd = 1.31), completed a series of questionnaires that assessed eating behaviours (Eating Attitudes Test-25), arousability, coping, emotional expressivity, worry, neuroticism/extraversion, perceived physical/mental health, academic stress, positive/negative affect, pre-sleep arousal (cognitive/somatic), body mass index (BMI; KG/M2) and sleep-wake aspects including subjective sleep propensity/Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and perceived daytime sleepiness (PDS, four items: feel excessively sleepy during the day, being sleepy during the day is a problem, feel performance is impaired due to daytime sleepiness, feel the need to nap during the day). Results ESS and PDS correlated moderately with each other (r = .415, p 001). EAT-25 mean score was 24.25 (sd = 14.2). BMI mean score was of 20.7 (sd = 2.39; range = 14.5–34.7). 14,7% were classified as underweight (BMI 18.5), 81.8% normal weight (BMI of 18.5–24.9), 2.9% overweight (BMI of 25.0–29), and 0,6 obese (BMI ⩾ 30.0). Most students had very/good mental (75.7%) and physical health (82.7%). Logistic Regression analyses models showed that perceived daytime sleepiness/PDS (but not sleep propensity/ESS) and self-reported usual sleep duration were independent significant predictors of global eating disturbance (Odds ratio/OR = .57; p = .049). Daytime sleep propensity, perceived daytime sleepiness, and perceived physical health were independent significant predictors of high BMI (respectively, OR = 1.58; p = .004; OR = 0.62; p = .046; OR = 0.034; p = .002). Neither subjective sleep quality nor usual sleep duration were associated with BMI. Conclusion In young females, daytime sleep propensity/perceived sleepiness and perceived physical health were predictors of higher BMI. Perceived daytime sleepiness and usual sleep duration were both predictors of global disordered eating behaviours/attitudes.

Sleep quality and eating behaviour in female students

Introduction To study the association between sleep quality/quantity and eating behaviours in female university students. Materials and methods 520 females (mean = 19.3 years, sd = 1.31), completed a series of questionnaires that assessed eating behaviours (Eating Attitudes Test-25), sleep-wake aspects, arousability, coping, emotional expressivity, worry, neuroticism/extraversion, perceived physical/mental health, academic stress, positive/negative affect, pre-sleep arousal (cognitive/somatic arousal) and Body Mass Index (BMI; KG/M2). Results BMI mean score was of 20.7 (sd = 2.39; range = 14.5–34.7). 14,7% were classified as underweight (BMI 18.5), 81,8% normal weight (BMI of 18.5–24.9), 2,9% overweight (BMI of 25.0–29), and 0,6 obese (BMI ⩾ 30.0). EAT-25 mean score was 24.25 (sd = 14.2; range = 0–78). 55.8% usually slept 7–8 h a night, 9.1% slept more than 8 h and 8.7% usually slept 6 h or less. 66% considered their sleep as “Very good/Good”. Logistic Regression analyses models showed that neuroticism, sleep reactivity to stress and sleep quality were independent significant predictors of drive for thinness (respectively, Odds ratio/OR = 1.220; OR = 1.506; OR = 1.926). Pre-sleep somatic arousal, negative emotion expressiveness, perceived academic stress, sleep reactivity to stress and usual sleep duration were independent significant predictors of bulimic behaviours (respectively, OR = 1.285; OR = 1.290; OR = 1.183; OR = 0.823; OR = 0.356). Pre-sleep cognitive arousal, usual sleep duration and sleep quality were independent significant predictors of Social pressure to eat (respectively, OR = 1.714; OR = 3.810; OR = 1.537). Pre-sleep cognitive arousal, perceived daytime sleepiness and usual sleep duration were independent significant predictors of global eating disturbance (respectively, OR = 1.293; OR = 0.577; OR = 0.148). Conclusion In young females, usual sleep duration/quality, neuroticism, emotion expressiveness, perceived stress, sleep reactivity to stress and pre-sleep arousal were predictors of disordered eating behaviours/attitudes. Acknowledgements The co-operation of Professors and Students is gratefully acknowledged.