Eating disorder behaviors and depression: a minimal relationship beyond social comparison, self-esteem, and body dissatisfaction

J Clin Psychol. 2009 Sep;65(9):989-99. doi: 10.1002/jclp.20586.

Abstract

Existing literature fails to comprehensively identify factors contributing to the comorbid relationship between eating disorder (ED) behaviors and unipolar depression. Maladaptive social comparison, body dissatisfaction, and low self-esteem are disruptive psychological patterns common to both constructs. It is unclear whether a unique relationship exists between depression and eating disorder behaviors beyond the effects exerted by this negative cognitive triad. The purpose of the present study is to examine whether a unique relationship exists between depression and ED behaviors after controlling for maladaptive social comparison, body dissatisfaction, and low self-esteem. We predict minimal unique variance in ED behaviors will be explained by depression after controlling for this negative cognitive triad.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Body Image*
  • Depression*
  • Feeding and Eating Disorders / psychology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Self Concept*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Young Adult