Moderators of the Relationship Between Body Dissatisfaction and Eating Pathology in Preadolescent Girls

Abstract

Body dissatisfaction (BD) is a common experience among preadolescent girls and a robust risk factor and precursor to eating pathology (EP). Although the relationship between BD and EP has been well documented, there is less research exploring the factors that may make this relationship more or less pronounced. In the current study, we investigated several factors that may moderate the relationship between BD and EP. Preadolescent girls ( n = 169) aged between 10 and 12 years completed questionnaires measuring EP, BD, negative affect, perfectionism, self-esteem, teasing, and perceived pressure from others and the media. Moderator analyses indicated that self-oriented and socially prescribed perfectionism, media pressure, and self-esteem each moderated the relationship between BD and EP. These factors may potentially make a preadolescent girl more susceptible to developing EP and may be useful to address in targeted prevention efforts among girls dissatisfied with their bodies.