Eating attitudes in relation to parental bonding, trauma, self-esteem and body image among Armenian Lebanese high school students.

Abstract

The present study assessed the prevalence of negative eating attitudes and behaviors as measured by the Armenian translation of the Eating Attitudes Test (Garner, Olmsted, Bohr, and Garfinkel, 1982) in a sample of Armenian Lebanese high school students. Associated factors of parental care and control, trauma, self-esteem, and awareness and internalization of western body image norms were also assessed while controlling for BMI and having lived in a Western country. The Eating Attitudes Test-26, Sociocultural Attitudes Towards Appearance Questionnaire, Impact of Events Scale, and the Parental Bonding Instrument were translated using back translation methodology to the Armenian Language. A total of 677 Armenian Lebanese high school students were recruited from a total of 10 Armenian high schools in Greater Beirut. Exploratory Factor Analyses were performed on all scales and the study aims were addressed using correlational analysis, comparative statistics and Binary Logistic Regression analysis. The Armenian EAT-26 supported a five factor solution, while the Armenian PBI-BC Mother and Father forms and the Armenian SATAQ supported two factor structures each. The Armenian IES-6, as the original IES-6, supported a three factor solution, however item loadings were not identical. An overall 22.5percent prevalence rate for disturbed eating attitudes and behaviors was found. Higher scores on the Armenian EAT-26 positively correlated with Awareness and Internalization of Western body image norms as well as Control scores on the Armenian PBI-BC Father form. Conversely, Armenian EAT-26 scores negatively correlated with self-esteem scores and Care scores on the Armenian PBI-BC Father form. Finally, Internalization followed by Awareness of Western body image norms scores significantly predicted classification of participants into high or low risk groups on eating disturbances. Limitations and future directions are discussed.