The role of body-esteem in academic functioning problems associated with eating disturbances

: Hautala L, Pekurinen V, Lantta T, Valimaki M, Anttila M

Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD

: 2020

: Journal of American College Health

: JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH

: J AM COLL HEALTH

: 68

: 8

: 931

: 935

: 5

: 0744-8481

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/07448481.2019.1647211

: https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/41638241

Objective: To explore the role of body-esteem and self-esteem in the occurrence of academic functioning problems associated with eating disturbances. Participants: 330 university students (aged 16-53 years) in Finland in 2016. Method: Interference with academic functioning measured with the Eating and Body Image Academic Interference Scale. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to describe the relationship of body-esteem, global self-esteem, and age with academic functioning problems associated with eating disturbances. Results: The level of academic functioning problems was low. High appearance-esteem (OR = 0.26; 95% CI [0.14-0.48]) and a five-year increase in age (OR = 0.68; 95% CI [0.52-0.89]) provided protection against academic functioning problems, whereas high evaluations attributed to others about one's body and appearance increased the odds of such problems (OR = 2.25; 95% CI [1.41-3.59]). Conclusion: Problems in academic functioning may relate to problems in eating behavior, body image, and feelings about appearance.

Accepted MANUSCRIPT 19072019.pdf