Testing the Tripartite Influence Model of body image and eating disturbance among Hungarian adolescents

Abstract

We tested the Tripartite Influence Model of body image and eating disturbance on two separate samples of Hungarian boys (n=145) and girls (n=225), aged 10-16 years. Our results supported the model among Hungarian adolescents; however we found notable gender differences. The associations were stronger in girls compared to boys; moreover, internalization and body dissatisfaction mediated the relationship between appearance-related sociocultural influences and self-esteem only in girls. BMI and weight perception were also involved in the model, and we could present evidence that the sociocultural influence and the weight perception predict independently body dissatisfaction. Our data are in line with previous results; however, further exploration of gender, age, and culture-related differences in the pattern of associations may contribute to the refinement of intervention programs.