A Study of Self-Concept and Body Image in High Risk Adolescents for Eating Disorders

식사장애 고위험 청소년의 자기개념과 신체상에 대한 연구

Objects : This study was attempted to evaluate the body image and the self concept in high risk adolescents for eating disorders. Methods 589 middle school students were investigated with EAT(Eating Attitude Test) and BITE(Bulimic Investigatory Test Edinburgh) and Schematic Figures(Child/Adolescent Version) and Piers-Harris Self-Concept Scale. According to the score of EAT and BITE, three high risk groups(high EAT group, high BITE group, high EAT & BITE group) were identified. Three groups were examined in terms of sex, weight, self concept and body image. Each group was EAT group, BITE group, EAT & BITE group Results: The results of the study were as follows : 1) EAT & BITE group showed greatest body image distortion. 2) BITE group and EAT & BITE group showed lower score in self concept scale. 3) The majority of EAT group were boys, BITE group and EAT & BITE group were mostly girls. 4) All three high risk groups, especially Bin group, revealed overweight compared with normal control group. Conclusions : High BITE group and high EAT & BITE group could be considered as significantly high risk groups for eating disorders, showing overweight, severe body image distortion, and poor self concept. EAT score alone seemed not to discriminate high risk adolescents for eating disorders.