Association Between Eating Disorder Risk and Family Structure and Social Appearance Anxiety Among College Freshman

OBJECTIVE: Eating disorders can be described as continuous eating or eating-related behavior disorders that are detrimental to health or psychosocial function. The present study determines the association between eating disorder risk and family structure and social appearance anxiety among college freshman. METHOD: This cross-sectional study was carried out among 683 freshman based on socio­demographic data, Eating Attitude Test, a Family Structure-System Assessment Device comprising 36 questions and a Social Appearance Anxiety Scale. RESULTS: A risk of eating disorders was identified in 10.2% of the participants. In the analysis, female gender (P = .013), young age (P = .022), presence of social appearance anxiety (P = .010), and a negatively defined family structure (P = .022) were found to increase the risk of eating disorders. CONCLUSIONS: Family structures should be considered when screening for young people at risk of eating disorders.