ABSTRACT
This pilot study examines the relationship between eating disorder behaviors and autonomic dysfunction in a nonclinical sample (n = 27). Baseline indices of eating disorder behaviors were evaluated via the Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire. Supine resting heart rate variability was assessed via electrocardiogram for a 5-min recording period. A spectral analysis was performed. High frequency power density (s2/Hz) increased as a function of heightened disordered eating behaviors. Autonomic dysfunction, as indicated by increased high frequency power density due to hypervagal activity, is associated with eating disorder behaviors. Results suggest autonomic dysfunction may exist in nonclinical eating disorder populations. Future research needs to further examine this possibility.
Subject(s)
Autonomic Nervous System Diseases/complications , Feeding and Eating Disorders/complications , Adolescent , Adult , Autonomic Nervous System Diseases/physiopathology , Body Mass Index , Electrocardiography , Exercise/physiology , Feeding and Eating Disorders/physiopathology , Female , Humans , Male , Pilot Projects , Sex Characteristics , Vagus Nerve/physiopathologyABSTRACT
The purpose of this study is to examine conformity to traditional feminine norms as a predictor of eating disorder (ED) symptomatology. Eight subscales of the Conformity to Feminine Norms Inventory (CFNI) were examined as predictors of ED symptomatology as assessed by the Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire (EDE-Q). Findings indicate the Thinness subscale of the CFNI predicted significant portions of the variance in ED symptomatology. Contrary to the findings of Mahalik and colleagues (2005), no other CFNI subscales predicted ED symptoms. Implications for the femininity theory of EDs are discussed.
Subject(s)
Body Image , Feeding and Eating Disorders/psychology , Gender Identity , Social Conformity , Adolescent , Adult , Diet, Reducing/psychology , Feeding and Eating Disorders/diagnosis , Female , Humans , Personality Inventory/statistics & numerical data , Psychometrics , Socialization , Thinness/psychologyABSTRACT
Passive Acceptance (PA) and Active Commitment (AC) subscales of the Feminist Identity Development Scale (FIDS) were examined as predictors of eating disorder diagnostic status as assessed by the Questionnaire for Eating Disorder Diagnoses (Q-EDD). Results of a hierarchical regression analysis revealed PA and AC scores were not statistically significant predictors of ED diagnostic status after controlling for diagnostic subtype. Results of a multiple regression analysis revealed FIDS as a statistically significant predictor of ED diagnostic status when failing to control for ED diagnostic subtype. Discrepancies suggest ED diagnostic subtype may serve as a moderator variable in the relationship between ED diagnostic status and FIDS.
