A path analysis of factors influencing eating problem among young female adults / 한국영양학회지

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to analyze factors influencing eating problems among young female adults. METHODS: Participants were 193 young female adults aged 19 ~ 29 years who were recruited in August 2017. Four variables related to eating problems in young female adults, including body image dissatisfaction, self-esteem, trait anger, and depression, were measured using reliable instruments. Data were analyzed using the SPSS/WIN 21.0 program and Amos 24.0 for descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficients, and path analysis. RESULTS: The mean for eating problems in young female adults was 8.99, and 9.8% of subjects were classified as high risk with eating problems. Modified model demonstrated good model fit (χ²/df 0.47, GFI 0.99, AGFI 0.99, NFI 0.99, SRMR 0.022, RMSEA 0.001). Path analysis showed that body image dissatisfaction had the greatest direct effect on eating problems. Depression did not have a direct effect on eating problems, whereas it had indirect effects on eating problems through body image dissatisfaction as the mediating factor. Self-esteem had direct effects on depression and indirect effects on eating problems through depression and body image dissatisfaction as mediating factors. Trait anger had direct effects on depression and body image dissatisfaction and indirect effects on eating problems through depression and body image dissatisfaction as mediating factors. These factors accounted for 46% of the total variance, and the fit indices of the model satisfied the criteria of fitness. CONCLUSION: The results of this study reveal the important role of body dissatisfaction and psychological factors such as self-esteem, trait anger, and depression on eating problems. These factors influencing eating problems should be considered when developing programs to improve eating problems in young female adults.