Perfectionism and eating attitudes in portuguese students: A longitudinal study

✍ Scribed by Maria João Soares; António Macedo; Sandra Carvalho Bos; Mariana Marques; Berta Maia; Ana Telma Pereira; Ana Gomes; José Valente; Michele Pato; Maria Helena Azevedo

• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 2009
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 108 KB
• Volume: 17
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 1072-4133
• DOI: 10.1002/erv.926

✦ Synopsis

Abstract

Aim

To investigate the role of perfectionism in the development of disordered eating behaviours.

Method

382 female university students completed the Hewitt & Flett MPS and the EAT‐40 at baseline, and 1 year after (T1) and 206 2 years later (T2).

Results

Perfectionism at baseline was significantly associated with long‐term abnormal eating attitudes/behaviours. Self‐Oriented Perfectionism (SOP) and Socially Prescribed Perfectionism (SPP) were significant predictors of disordered eating behaviours. Regression analysis revealed that SOP at baseline was predictive of Diet Concerns and overall eating disturbance (EAT total score), at T1 and T2. SPP was a significant predictor of Social Pressure to Eat at T1 and T2 and of Bulimic Behaviours only at T1.

Conclusion

Our findings contribute to a more clear understanding of the association between perfectionism and eating disorders. SOP and SPP were prospectively associated with abnormal eating attitudes/behaviours and SOP was found to be predictive of diet concerns and overall eating disturbance. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.