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Although "fat talk" is associated with increased eating disorder risk, the predictors of fat talk engagement and viable alternatives to these pervasive conversations remain unclear. The current experiment examined responses to fat talk versus feminist-oriented challenging fat talk scenarios. Undergraduate women (N=283) completed baseline questionnaires assessing body dissatisfaction, fat talk engagement, and positive impression management. One week later, they were randomized to view one of the two scenarios, followed by assessment of mood, fat talk engagement, social acceptability, and social likeability. Results indicated that the challenging fat talk vignette (versus the fat talk vignette) yielded less negative affect and fat talk and was perceived as more socially attractive with a more likeable target character. Baseline body dissatisfaction, baseline fat talk tendencies, and momentary negative affect predicted post-exposure fat talk engagement. Current findings highlight possibilities for implementing feminist language and psychoeducation in fat talk prevention efforts.

Objective: The current study investigated rates of endorsement of eating-related compensatory behaviors within a college sample. Participants: This sample included male and female students (N = 1,158). Methods: Participants completed the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q). The study defined 3 groups of students: those who did not endorse purging behaviors, those who endorsed only exercise, and those who endorsed laxative use or vomiting. Rates of related eating disorder risk variables were compared across the 3 groups. Results: Almost half of college students reported utilizing exercise as a compensatory strategy over the past 28 days. Those reporting compensatory exercise did not differ from other community and college samples on EDE-Q subscales. Conclusions: Findings suggest that college students report significant rates of compensatory exercise, and those who report exercise as their only compensatory behavior also report relatively low levels of eating disorder risk.

Eating disorders, disordered eating, and body dissatisfaction prevalence rates are on the rise among adolescent females. The present study examined the potential use of a commonly used social–emotional instrument, the Behavior Assessment System for Children-Second Edition (BASC-2), for detecting the presence of possible eating disorders in adolescent females in a school setting. Participants included 65 female adolescents aged 13 to 17 years from Midwestern public middle and high schools. The Eating Disorder Inventory-Third Edition was used to determine eating disorder risk and level of body dissatisfaction. Those adolescents at risk for developing an eating disorder differed significantly on 12 of the 16 BASC-2 scales, whereas four of these scales were also in the clinically significant range according to the BASC-2 normative sample. A common profile of a female adolescent at risk for developing an eating disorder was explored. Implications of the findings and recommendations for future research are discussed.

In this study, the summertime outdoor heat stress hazard and heat disorder risks (HDR) were simulated numerically using a mesoscale meteorological model combined with an urban canopy model and a building energy model. Model grid maps including the 23 wards of Tokyo (23 Tokyo), Japan, were produced with a 1-km horizontal resolution for the period of July–September 2010. Model simulations of the daily maximum wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGTmax), which was adopted as a heat stress index, indicated the spatial heterogeneity of the heat stress hazard within 23 Tokyo. The heat stress hazard was greater in the inland western region, particularly for sunny conditions in July and August (based on the monthly mean; the maximum difference exceeded 2°C for both sunny and shaded conditions). This likely occurred as a result of greater spatial heterogeneity in the globe temperature than in the air temperature among model grid cells, with differences in the radiation environment induced by differences in urban geometric parameters. Gridded mapping of HDR simulations proceeded in two steps, using the incidence rate and the absolute number of heat disorder patients (HDP). These simulations were achieved by combining the exponential relationships between the actual WBGTmax and the number of HDP with the daytime grid population. Eventually, the resulting HDR maps incorporated the effects of the spatial heterogeneities of both the outdoor heat stress hazard and the daytime grid population.

Background While a great amount of attention has been paid to early-onset obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), there is a dearth of studies on patients showing OCD for the first time at later stages of life. In this study, we aimed at determining possible risk factors/correlates for OCD onset at or after age 40, here termed late-onset OCD. Method A series of models including several potential variables associated with late onset OCD were tested using a monolayer neural network. To this regard, data from the Brazilian Research Consortium of Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Disorders (CTOC) (n = 1001) was employed. For the purposes of this study, we considered a diagnosis of late onset OCD to be present whenever distress and interference associated with OCD symptoms emerged at or after age 40. Different nested models were compared through the Akaike Criteria keeping the variables with p value ≤0.05. Results Late-onset OCD occurred in 8.6% of the sample. A model including female sex, a history of chronic (>10 years) subclinical obsessive-compulsive symptoms, the co-occurrence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after age 40, and a history of recent pregnancy in self or significant others was able to explain a sizeable proportion of late-onset OCD. The general performance of this model, represented by the Maximum Likelihood R2, was 29.4%. Conclusion Our results suggest that late-onset OCD is more likely to occur in females, in individuals with long periods of subclinical obsessive-compulsive symptoms, and in association with a major traumatic event occurring after age 40 and a history of recent pregnancy in self or in significant others.

In the field of eating disorders, much research has been devoted to selective prevention that addresses high-risk groups, while universal prevention has received less attention. This paper systematically reviews recent studies on the universal prevention of ED. The analysis shows that universal prevention may impact on a wide range of eating disorder risk factors such as body dissatisfaction and media internalization. However, no study has investigated later presence or absence of ED. We conclude that additional research is needed to shed more light on the long-term effects and the actual onset of ED. “Booster-sessions” in the years following the intervention might aid in sustaining the gains.

Objective Social media sites, such as Facebook, merge two factors that influence risk for eating disorders: media and peers. Previous work has identified cross-sectional and temporal associations between Facebook use and disordered eating. This study sought to replicate and extend these findings using an experimental design. Method In Study 1, 960 women completed self-report surveys regarding Facebook use and disordered eating. In Study 2, 84 women were randomly assigned to use Facebook or to use an alternate internet site for 20 min. Results More frequent Facebook use was associated with greater disordered eating in a cross-sectional survey. Facebook use was associated with the maintenance of weight/shape concerns and state anxiety compared to an alternate internet activity. Discussion Facebook use may contribute to disordered eating by maintaining risk for eating pathology. As such, targeting Facebook use may be helpful in intervention and prevention programs. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2014; 47:516–523)

This paper describes the prevalence of eating disorders and disordered eating behaviors, the reasons why these practices are endorsed, and the potential consequences in youths and young adults with selected diet-related chronic health conditions (DRCHCs) and provides recommendations for eating disorder prevention interventions and research efforts. Although it remains unclear whether the prevalence of eating disorders is higher in those with DRCHCs compared with the general population, overall findings suggest that young people with DRCHCs may be at risk of endorsing disordered eating behaviors that may lead to diagnosis of an eating disorder and other health problems over the course of their treatment. Thus, health care providers should be aware that young people with DRCHCs may be at risk of eating disorders and carefully monitor psychological changes and the use of unhealthy weight control methods. It is also important to develop and evaluate theory-based interventions and disease-specific eating disorder risk screening tools that are effective in halting the progression of eating disorders and negative health outcomes in young people with chronic health conditions.

Objective To compare the occurrence of tooth erosion (TE) and dental caries (DC) in adolescents with and without risk behavior for eating disorders (EDs). Method A controlled cross-sectional study involving 1,203 randomly selected female students aged 15–18 years was conducted in Brazil. Risk behavior for EDs was evaluated through the Bulimic Investigatory Test of Edinburgh and dental examinations were performed. Results The prevalence of risk behavior for EDs was 6%. Twenty adolescents (1.7%) were identified with severe risk behavior for EDs and matched to 80 adolescents without such risk. Among the severe risk group, 45% of adolescents were affected by TE and 80% by DC compared with 8.8 and 51.3%, respectively, in the matched group. Adolescents with severe risk had higher chances for TE (OR = 10.04; 95% CI = 2.5–39.4). Discussion In this study, a severe risk behavior for EDs was significantly associated with TE, but not with DC. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2013; 46:677–683)

The Eating Disorder Risk Composite (EDRC) comprises the Drive for Thinness, Bulimia, and Body Dissatisfaction subscales of the Eating Disorder Inventory, Third Edition (EDI-3, Garner, 2004). Past research conducted with Latina college women (LCW) has found older versions of the EDRC subscales to be reliable, but the EDI-3’s EDRC factor structure has yet to be studied among LCW. The present study investigated the pattern of responses to and the factor structure of the EDRC in LCW. It was hypothesized that eating pathology would be present and that a factor analysis would find some discrepancies between the original factor structure of the EDRC and the factor structure from LCW. Analyses of data on a 6-point Likert scale indicate that drive for thinness and body dissatisfaction are far more prevalent than is bulimic symptomology in LCW. Principal Axis Factoring with promax rotation was used to extract three factors very similar to the original EDRC. Some discrepancies in the item loadings were observed, most notably that half of the items from the original Body Dissatisfaction subscale did not load together on one factor. Overall, the EDRC appears to be a good measurement of eating- and body-related phenomena among LCW. Implications, limitations, and future directions are discussed.

This study tested a brief eating disorder risk measure, originally developed for use with college students, in young adolescents. The measure is called the COEDS (College Eating Disorders Screen) and is constructed of items written in everyday language used by youth to discuss weight issues, rather than in the language of symptom assessment. A sample of 246 early adolescents (mean age, 13) completed questionnaire measures of puberty, eating disorder behavior, and eating disorder risk two times in a 12-month span. We found that: (a) the COEDS was internally consistent; (b) COEDS scores were stable across one year; and (c) COEDS scores predicted restricting and compensatory behavior one year later, above and beyond prediction from sex, race, prior restricting and compensatory behavior, and prior BMI. The COEDS appears to be a reliable and valid measure for risk assessment in youth; it may prove useful for researchers and clinicians interested in screening for risk and as a means to test whether prevention efforts have reduced risk.

The aim of this study was to determine whether negative affect (anxiety and depression) mediates the relationship between environmental weight pressures and eating disorder risk (measured by the Eating Disorder Inventory-3rd Edition [EDI-3]—risk composite); and furthermore, whether mental skills (Athletic Coping Skills Inventory-28 [ACSI-28]) can decrease strength of said relationship (serving as protective factors) in dancers. Our study revealed that negative affect partially mediated the relationship between environmental pressure and eating disorder (ED) risk, and that mental skills did serve a protective factor, thus, decreasing the risk. Specifically, coping with adversity, freedom from worry, and self-confidence emerged as the most protective skills against eating disorders.

Objective. To investigate media and cultural influences in eating disorder development in African-American adolescent females. Method. Fifty-seven participants were recruited through churches and community organizations to complete a questionnaire. Results. Mainstream sociocultural identification was associated with more eating disorder behavior in African-American females; cultural ethnic identification was not significantly associated with eating disorder behavior in African-American females, mainstream sociocultural identification, cultural ethnic identification, and body dissatisfaction significantly predicted eating disorder behavior; and cultural ethnic identification was positively correlated with mainstream sociocultural identification. This study provides support for the importance of eating disorder prevention interventions that focus specifically on African-American girls.

Sociocultural Environment and Internalization of the Thin Ideal as Eating Disorder Risk Factors

Millions of people around the world had been forced to flee their homes due to violence. High rates of mental problem have been reported among those populations. Iraq is an exemplar of the mental health needs of children in conflict-affected countries. A multi-stage random sampling technique was adopted targeting primary school students in the main three Iraqi governorates (Baghdad, Duhok, and Erbil) to which most of the displaced families fled. A standard questionnaire form adapted from the 10-item Trauma Screening Questionnaire -TSQ/ child version was used. The prevalence of PTSD was estimated to be 83.3%, which seems to increase with age, more in females, and was associated with large family size and frequent displacements. There was a significant association between PTSD and the occurrence of violent events in the family (death, injury or arrest) during or after displacement. These findings call the attention for an urgent humanitarian interference to help the traumatized Iraqi children.

The present study entitled "Prevalence of Eating Disorders in Adolescent girls in Srinagar city" was carried out in Srinagar. 100 adolescent girls from 5 schools, 20 from each, were selected randomly for the study. They were assessed through a structured questionnaire based on DSM IV criteria. It was found that the prevalence of eating disorders in our part of the world is very less as compared to the west as none of the adolescent girls in our study satisfied all the four criteria necessary for the diagnosis of anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa. However, about 30% of the adolescent girls satisfied two and 6% satisfied up to three criterias. As per the results obtained it was found that the mean weight of the sample was 47.90 kg with standard deviation of 6.36. Twenty three percent (23%) of the sample had weight less than 80% of expected for their age i.e. were malnourished. Although the prevalence of the eating disorders is very less in our city but the adolescent girls are becoming body conscious and many are at risk of developing eating disorder. As in the west no significant relation was found between family income and eating disorders although lower income groups showed higher prevalence of different criteria of eating disorders. Likewise there was no significant relation between eating disorder risk factors and features like age group, fathers and mothers qualification. Only one criterion, that is importance of being thinner than one's friends, showed statistically significant relation with age, qualification of parents etc. As many of the adolescent girls are at high risk of developing eating disorders, it seems to be right time to take preventive measures. Health education seems to be the best way to counter this problem. Both parents and children need to be educated. Mass media has to play a major role in bringing awareness regarding the problem.

BackgroundEndophenotypes are laboratory-based measures hypothesized to lie in the causal chain between genes and clinical disorder, and to serve as a more powerful way to identify genes associated with the disorder. One promise of endophenotypes is that they may assist in elucidating the neurobehavioral mechanisms by which an associated genetic polymorphism affects disorder risk in complex traits. We evaluated this promise by testing the extent to which variants discovered to be associated with schizophrenia through large-scale meta-analysis show associations with psychophysiological endophenotypes.MethodWe genome-wide genotyped and imputed 4905 individuals. Of these, 1837 were whole-genome-sequenced at 11× depth. In a community-based sample, we conducted targeted tests of variants within schizophrenia-associated loci, as well as genome-wide polygenic tests of association, with 17 psychophysiological endophenotypes including acoustic startle response and affective startle modulation, antisaccade, multiple frequencies of resting electroencephalogram (EEG), electrodermal activity and P300 event-related potential.ResultsUsing single variant tests and gene-based tests we found suggestive evidence for an association between contactin 4 (CNTN4) and antisaccade and P300. We were unable to find any other variant or gene within the 108 schizophrenia loci significantly associated with any of our 17 endophenotypes. Polygenic risk scores indexing genetic vulnerability to schizophrenia were not related to any of the psychophysiological endophenotypes after correction for multiple testing.ConclusionsThe results indicate significant difficulty in using psychophysiological endophenotypes to characterize the genetically influenced neurobehavioral mechanisms by which risk loci identified in genome-wide association studies affect disorder risk.

Postpartum psychosis is a severe psychiatric condition which affects 1-2 of every 1000 mothers shortly after childbirth. Whilst there is convincing evidence that the condition is precipitated by a complex combination of biological and environmental factors, as yet the pathophysiological mechanisms remain extremely poorly defined. Here, I critically review approaches that have been, or are being, employed to identify and characterise such mechanisms; I also review a recent animal model approach, and describe a novel biological risk model that it suggests. Clarification of biological risk mechanisms underlying disorder risk should permit the identification of relevant predictive biomarkers which will ensure that ‘at risk’ subjects receive prompt clinical intervention if required.

Fetal programming describes the process by which environmental stimuli impact fetal development to influence disease development later in life. Our analysis summarizes evidence for the role of fetal programming in eating disorder etiology through review of studies demonstrating specific obstetric complications and later eating risk of anorexia or bulimia. Using Pubmed, we found thirteen studies investigating obstetric factors and eating disorder risk published between 1999 and 2016. We then discuss modifiable maternal risk factors, including nutrition and stress, that influence anorexia or bulimia risk of their offspring. Translation of these findings applies to preventative strategies by health organizations and physicians to provide optimal health for mothers and their children to prevent development of medical and psychiatric illnesses.

This study evaluated the psychometric properties of the Youth Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (YEDE-Q) and its utility for detecting loss of control (LOC) eating (i.e., eating episodes, regardless of size, involving a perceived inability to control what or how much one is eating) among school-age children with overweight or obesity. Identifying eating pathology, particularly LOC eating, in this population may facilitate treatment that improves weight outcomes and reduces eating disorder risk. Children with overweight or obesity (N = 241; 7-11 years) completed the YEDE-Q and abbreviated Child EDE (ChEDE) to assess LOC eating, prior to entering a weight management treatment trial. Confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) were conducted on children's YEDE-Q responses and compared to the standard adult EDE-Q factor structure and newer, alternate factor structures. CFA supported a three-factor structure, which distinguished youth with versus without LOC. The YEDE-Q showed low accuracy for detecting LOC eating as measured by the ChEDE, which served as the gold-standard benchmark (AUC = 0.69). Among children who endorsed LOC eating, more episodes per month were reported on the YEDE-Q than ChEDE (p < .001). The YEDE-Q may not have utility as a screener for identifying true cases of LOC eating among school-age children with overweight or obesity. Further evaluation of the YEDE-Q and the alternate three-factor structure is warranted.

Increased excitotoxity in response to stressors leads to oxidative stress (OS) due to accumulation of excess reactive oxygen/nitrogen species. Neuronal membrane phospholipids are especially susceptible to oxidative damage, which alters signal transduction mechanisms. The Contingent of International Operations (CIO) has been subjected to various extreme stressors that could cause Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Former studies suggest that heterogeneity due to gender, race, age, nutritional condition and variable deployment factors and stressors produce challenges in studying these processes. The research aim was to assess OS levels in the PTSD risk group in CIO. In a prospective study, 143 participants who were Latvian CIO, regular personnel, males, Europeans, average age of 27.4, with the same tasks during the mission, were examined two months before and immediately after a six-month Peace Support Mission (PSM) in Afghanistan. PCL-M questionnaire, valid Latvian language “Military” version was used for PTSD evaluation. Glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and lipid peroxidation intensity and malondialdehyde (MDA) as OS indicators in blood were determined. Data were processed using SPSS 20.0. The MDA baseline was 2.5582 μM, which after PSM increased by 24.36% (3.1815 μM). The GPx baseline was 8061.98 U/L, which after PSM decreased by 9.35% (7308.31 U/L). The SOD baseline was 1449.20 U/gHB, which after PSM increased by 2.89% (1491.03 U/gHB). The PTSD symptom severity (total PCL-M score) baseline was 22.90 points, which after PSM increased by 14.45% (26.21 points). The PTSD Prevalence rate (PR) baseline was 0.0357, which after PSM increased by 147.06% (0.0882). We conclude that there is positive correlation between increase of OS, PTSD symptoms severity level, and PTSD PR in a group of patients with risk of PTSD - CIO. PTSD PR depends on MDA intensity and OS severity. OS and increased free radical level beyond excitotoxity, is a possible causal factor for clinical manifestation of PTSD

Objective: To understand the parent-child eating behaviour relationship that could be the key for the development of more adequate prevention strategies in the field of Obesity and Eating Behaviour Disorders. Method: Participants were 116 parents and respective 116 children with ages ranging from 8 to 12 years, attending the 3rd, 4th, 5th or 6th school years at two private schools in the Lisbon area. Two instruments were used: Eating Disorder Inventory (EDI-3) and Eating Disorder Inventory for Children (EDI-C). Results: The results show a significant correlation between parent-child eating behaviour at the level of the EDI scales, especially the Eating Disorder Risk Composite (r = 0,221; p = 0,017) and the General Psychological Maladjustment Composite (r = 0,183; p = 0,050). The parent-child relationship was assessed observing variables that contribute to healthy or inadequate behaviours, such as the body mass index, BMI (r = 0,228; p = 0,014), sedentary activities [(television viewing (r = 0,238; p = 0,010) and computer usage (r = 0,263; p = 0,004)], and physical activity (r = 0,342; p = 0,013). Conclusion: These results enhance the importance of parents as co-agents, supporting the change in their children’s inadequate behaviour, once these behaviours are learned, shared and often kept within the family.

Context With increased media coverage and competitive opportunities, cheerleaders may be facing an increase in eating disorder (ED) prevalence linked to clothing-related body image (BI). Objective To examine ED risk prevalence, pathogenic weight control behaviors, and variation in clothing-specific BI across position and academic status among collegiate cheerleaders. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I and II institutions. Patients or Other Participants Female collegiate cheerleaders (n = 136, age = 20.4 ± 1.3 years, height = 160.2 ± 8.1 cm, weight = 57.2 ± 8.3 kg). Main Outcome Measure(s) Participants self-reported height, weight, and desired weight and completed the Eating Attitudes Test. Body image perceptions in 3 clothing types (daily clothing, midriff uniform, full uniform) were assessed using sex-based silhouettes (body mass index = 18.3 kg/m2 for silhouette 1, 23.1 kg/m2 for silhouette 4). Results The ED risk for cheerleaders was estimated at 33.1%. However, when body mass index was controlled using backward stepwise logistic regression, flyers had greater odds (odds ratio = 4.4, 95% confidence interval = 1.5, 13.2, P = .008) of being at risk compared with bases, but no difference was noted between the base and back-spot positions (odds ratio = 1.9, 95% confidence interval = 0.5, 6.6, P = .333). A main effect of BI perceptions was seen (P < .001), with a significant interaction by clothing type (F2,133 = 22.5, P < .001, η2 = 0.14). Cheerleaders desired to be smaller than their perceived BIs for each clothing type, with the largest difference for midriff uniform (2.6 ± 0.8 versus 3.7 ± 0.9), followed by full uniform (2.7 ± 0.8 versus 3.5 ± 0.9) and daily clothing (2.8 ± 0.8 versus 3.5 ± 0.9). Conclusions Cheerleaders, especially flyers, appear to be at risk for EDs, with greatest BI dissatisfaction when wearing their most revealing uniforms (ie, midriffs). Universities, colleges, and the national governing bodies of these squads need to focus on preventing eating disorders and BI dissatisfaction and promoting self-esteem.

Objective To examine the association between components of shame (characterological, behavioural and bodily) and eating disturbance. Method This was a cross sectional study of 859 female and 256 male participants from the general population [non-clinical (NCP)] and 167 female participants from an eating disordered population [clinical (CP)] completing the Experience of Shame Scale. The NCP samples also completed the Eating Attitudes Test-26, and the CP samples completed the Eating Disorder Risk Composite of the Eating Disorder Inventory-3. Participants were recruited via schools/colleges, eating disorder charities and the Internet. Results Bodily and characterological shame were independently predictive of eating disturbance in female NCP samples (both, p

This study investigated family functioning, family stage and eating disorder risk. A sample of 140 females (aged 18-59) completed a family functioning questionnaire (ICPS) and the Eating Disorder Risk scale (EDI-3). Consistent with previous research, cluster analysis identified two profiles of family functioning: an authoritative style (high intimacy and high democratic parenting, with low conflict) and an authoritarian cluster (elevated conflict scores and significantly lower intimacy and democratic parenting). The second independent variable of family stage comprised two groups: females living in their family of origin and those living in their family of choice. The ANOVA showed no interaction involving family functioning cluster and family stage. A main effect showed that participants in the authoritarian cluster experienced significantly more drive for thinness, bulimic symptoms, body dissatisfaction and eating disorder risk. There was no difference in eating disorder risk between females living at home or those in the family of choice. The findings have implications for therapists in demonstrating that independence from the family of origin does not prompt natural recovery from eating disorder tendencies. The findings provide some further evidence of the association between specific elements of family functioning (intimacy, conflict and democratic parenting) with eating disorder risk.

Objective: To investigate the relation of maternal and peer attitudes and behaviors to changes in eating disorder risk factors and symptoms in adolescent females. Method: We tested whether maternal and peer eating attitudes, behaviors, and deficits in social support at baseline predicted subsequent increases in eating disorder risk factors and symptoms among 483 late adolescent females followed over 3 years. Results: Data provide partial support for hypotheses, as eating disorder risk factors and symptoms increased over time and maternal thin ideal internalization significantly predicted a future increases in adolescent bulimic symptoms. There were no significant predictors of adolescent thin ideal internalization or body dissatisfaction. Discussion: Findings only partially support the hypothesis that unhealthy attitudes and behaviors of mothers increase risk for eating disorder symptoms in their late adolescent daughters. These results underscore why eating disorder prevention programs should be based on risk factor research that has used prospective and rigorous designs. © 2011 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Several research studies have argued that people evaluate incivilities of places as part of the process of estimating how safe they might be. The study presented here examined whether such an assumption is upheld when people are allowed to express their thoughts about places before rating how disordered a place seems to them. British students evaluated three residential areas with different levels of disorder. First, participants had to write their impressions about the places and then rate how disordered, risky and unsafe the places seemed to them. The qualitative analysis showed that despite participants referred to physical disorder, only few participants mentioned crime and safety. Results from the quantitative analysis revealed that as the more disordered a place was rated the more unsafe it was considered. Findings suggest both that disordered places not always elicit unsafe concerns and that the so predicted relationship between disorder and safety maybe method dependant.

Fear of crime has long been considered a significant social problem, spurring decades of academic research and leading to a variety of policy initiatives. Building on prior research, this study investigated the direct and indirect effects of demographic characteristics, social and physical disorder, and prior victimization on fear of crime. Further, it assessed the direct and indirect effects of perceived risk on fear. Finally, the research examined the extent to which social capital mediated the impact of these variables on fear. Using data from a survey of residents in a southeastern city, analyses reveal that victimization and disorder significantly predict fear of crime, and that risk perception and social capital mediate the relationship between disorder and victimization on fear. Further, structural equation models show a number of interesting indirect effects. Policy implications and directions for future research are discussed.

Introduction: eating disorders (ED) are complex multifactorial chronic diseases with adverse consequences on cognition in adolescence. Objectives: the main aim of the present study was to analyze the association between the risk of ED and academic performance in adolescents, considering the key role of weight status. Methods: a total of 261 adolescents (13.9 ± 0.3 years) from the DADOS (Deporte, Adolescencia y Salud) Study were included in the analysis. The risk of ED was assessed using the Sick Control on Fast Food (SCOFF) questionnaire. Weight status was assessed by body mass index (BMI) (kg/m2 ). Academic performance was assessed through final grades and through the Spanish version of the SRA Test of Educational Ability (TEA). Results: the risk of ED was negatively associated with academic grades, and with verbal and numeric abilities measured through TEA. Adolescents with non-eating disorder risk showed higher scores in academic grades (but not in the TEA components). Overweight and obese adolescents reported higher risk of ED. Conclusions: the risk of ED is negatively associated with academic performance, being higher in overweight and obese adolescents. Interventional programs aimed to improve academic performance should take into account weight status and the risk of ED. Introducción: los trastornos de la conducta alimentaria (TCA) son alteraciones psicológicas severas con graves consecuencias sobre la función cognitiva durante la adolescencia. Objetivos: el principal objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la asociación entre el riesgo de padecer TCA y el rendimiento académico en adolescentes, considerando el papel clave de la composición corporal. Métodos: la muestra estuvo formada por un total de 261 adolescentes (13,9 ± 0,3 años), participantes del proyecto DADOS (Deporte, Adolescencia y Salud). La versión española del cuestionario Sick Control on Fast Food (SCOFF) se utilizó para determinar el riesgo de padecer TCA. La composición corporal se evaluó mediante el índice de masa corporal (IMC) (kg/m2 ). El rendimiento académico fue evaluado mediante las notas finales y mediante la versión española del cuestionario SRA Test of Educational Ability (TEA). Resultados: el riesgo de padecer TCA estuvo inversamente asociado con las notas y con las habilidades verbales y numéricas medidas mediante el TEA. Los adolescentes que no presentaban riesgo de padecer TCA mostraron calificaciones más altas en las notas (pero no en los componentes del cuestionario TEA). Los adolescentes con sobrepeso u obesidad reportaron un mayor riesgo de padecer TCA. Conclusiones: el riesgo de padecer TCA está asociado de forma inversa con el rendimiento académico y es más elevado en adolescentes con sobrepeso u obesidad. Las intervenciones cuyo objetivo sea mejorar el rendimiento académico deberían tener en cuenta la composición corporal y el riesgo de padecer TCA.

Background & Objective: Anemia is a public health nutrition problem that can occur at any age. In 2013 the proportion of anemia in Indonesia is 21.7 percent. Anemia can be caused by many factors one of which is the consumption pattern. Anemia in girl adolescents and women of reproductive age can cause problem in the first 1000 days of life. This study aims to determine the risk of eating disorders and anemia in nutrition students. Materials and Methods: This study is a cross sectional study with sample 46 girl students and 19 yearsl old. Data collection of risk of eating disorders using questionnaires Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26)and anemia data obtained from secondary data results of a new student medical check up. Data analyzed by using SPSS, bivariate analysis using chi square test. Results: The results showed 21.7 percent anemia and 26.1 percent risk of eating disorders. 20 percent of students with anemia have an eating disorder risk. The results of statistical tests showed no significant relationship between the risk of eating disorders with anemia. Conclusion: The conclusion of the study is the risk of eating disorders can occur in the student nutrition that may be possible cause of anemia

This short-term longitudinal study explored whether a secure relationship with God would protect young women (N = 231, M = 19.2) from the impact of four risk factors for eating disturbance: pressure to be thin; thin-ideal internalization, body dissatisfaction; and dieting. Analyses showed that women with secure attachment to God experienced reduced levels of each risk factor. Prospective data showed that pressure to be thin and thin-ideal internalization predicted body dissatisfaction only for women with an anxious insecure attachment to God. The data indicate that women who feel loved and accepted by God are buffered from eating disorder risk factors.

Objective The current study tested the effects of an eating disorder risk reduction programme (Food, Mood and Attitude (FMA)) with Latina women. Method Fifty-two female Latina college students were screened. Of these, 28 eligible women were administered a questionnaire packet prior to and approximately 2 months and again 1 year after completing a 2-hour computer-based risk reduction programme called FMA and participating in two 2-hour discussion groups about risk factors for eating disorders. Results Paired sample t-tests indicated significant changes from pre- to post-assessment on the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDEQ)-shape concerns subscale (p = .002), Eating Disorder Inventory-2 (EDI-2)-body dissatisfaction (BD) subscale (p

Background: There is increasing understanding of the significance of early neurodevelopment in establishing risk for the range of mental disorders. Models of the early aetiology of mental disorders are complex with a range of potential factors from genetic and epigenetic to environmental influencing neurological and psychological development. Whilst the mechanisms are not fully understood, this paper provides an overview of potential biological and neurobiological factors that might be involved. Method: An aetiological model is presented and discussed. The discussion includes a range of risk factors for mental disorder. Maternal anxiety disorder is presented and reviewed as an example of the interaction of placental, epigenetic and early parenting factors elevating risk of poor neonatal outcome. Results: Available evidence points to the importance of in-utero influences as well as the role of early attachment and emotional care. Transgenerational mechanisms such as the impact of maternal mental disorder on foetal development are important models for examination of early risk. Maternal anxiety, as an example, is a significant risk factor for compromised mental health. Conclusions: Development of models for understanding the early origins of mental disorder is an important step in elaborating risk reduction strategies. Comprehensive early identification of risk raises the possibility of preventive interventions

© 2015 Cohen and Blaszczynski. Background: Appearance comparison has consistently been shown to engender body image dissatisfaction. To date, most studies have demonstrated this relationship between appearance comparison and body image dissatisfaction in the context of conventional media images depicting the thin-ideal. Social comparison theory posits that people are more likely to compare themselves to similar others. Since social media forums such as Facebook involve one's peers, the current study aimed to determine whether the relationship between appearance comparison and body image dissatisfaction would be stronger for those exposed to social media images, compared to conventional media images. Methods: A sample of 193 female first year university students were randomly allocated to view a series of either Facebook or conventional media thin-ideal images. Participants completed questionnaires assessing pre- and post- image exposure measures of thin-ideal internalisation, appearance comparison, self-esteem, Facebook use and eating disorder risk. Results: Type of exposure was not found to moderate the relationship between appearance comparison and changes in body image dissatisfaction. When analysed according to exposure type, appearance comparison only significantly predicted body image dissatisfaction change for those exposed to Facebook, but not conventional media. Facebook use was found to predict higher baseline body image dissatisfaction and was associated with higher eating disorder risk. Conclusions: The findings suggest the importance of extending the body image dissatisfaction literature by taking into account emerging social media formats. It is recommended that interventions for body image dissatisfaction and eating disorders consider appearance comparison processes elicited by thin-ideal content on social media forums, such as Facebook, in addition to conventional media.

A number of recent advances in eating disorders research have helped clarify the nature of risk for the development of such disorders. Culbert et al. () provide an empirical and thoughtful review of these recent advances. The authors identified empirically established risk factors in each of several categories of risk for eating disorders: genetic influences, neurotransmitter activity, hormones, personality, and sociocultural influences. We highlight three implications of their review. First, the review can serve as an important asset to eating disorder researchers, both substantively, by providing a comprehensive account of empirically supported risk processes; and methodologically, by highlighting good standards of evidence for acceptance of a candidate risk factor. Second, eating disorder risk is increased by both transdiagnostic and eating disorder-specific factors; there is a need to understand how these types of factors transact with each other. Third and most important, we highlight the importance of Culbert et al.'s advocacy for the development of theoretical models, and empirical tests of those models that specify transactions among different types of risk factors, such as those based on genetic, neurobiological, personality, and social processes.

Objective To conduct a pilot effectiveness trial of a brief dissonance-based eating disorder preventative program, the Body Project, when implemented at primary care medical clinics. Method Sixty-six female adolescents between the ages of 13 and 17 who reported at least some body image dissatisfaction were recruited at two primary care clinics and randomized to Body Project groups or an educational video control condition; eating disorder risk factors and symptoms were measured at pretest, posttest, and 3-month follow-up. Results Body Project versus educational video control participants showed significantly greater reductions in thin-ideal internalization, pressure to be thin, dieting, and eating disorder symptoms at posttest, which were medium to large effect sizes. Body Project participants also showed greater decreases in body dissatisfaction and negative affect at posttest, though these moderate sized effects were not significant. Effects persisted through 3-month follow-up. Conclusion Average pre–post effect sizes (d = 0.58) compare favorably to those observed in past Body Project efficacy (average d = 0.59) and effectiveness trials (average ds of 0.43 and 0.69), suggesting that primary care clinics may represent a novel venue for offering and extending the reach of this eating disorder prevention program.

The present paper reports on a study conducted with seven women who identified themselves as experiencing depression as well as an eating disorder and who live in a rural region of northern New South Wales. Self-referred, the women participated in a weekly group for 10 weeks, with a mixture of topics, conducted within a narrative therapy framework. A comparison of pre- and post-group tests demonstrated a reduction in depression scores and eating disorder risk. All women reported a change in daily practices, together with less self-criticism. These findings were supported by a post-group evaluation survey that revealed that externalisation of, and disengagement from, the eating disorder strongly assisted the women to make changes in their daily practices. Although preliminary and short term, the outcomes of the present study indicate that group work conducted within a narrative therapy framework may result in positive changes for women entangled with depression and an eating disorder.

This response (a) integrates non-equilibrium evolutionary genetic models, such as coevolutionary arms-races and recent selective sweeps, into a framework for understanding common, harmful, heritable mental disorders; (b) discusses the forms of ancestral neutrality or balancing selection that may explain some portion of mental disorder risk; and (c) emphasizes that normally functioning psychological adaptations work against a backdrop of mutational and environmental noise.

Objectives: To present a profile of eating disorder risk among figure skaters by (a) comparing somatotype and BMI as biological variables in explaining Eating Disorder Inventory (EDI) variance; (b) examining relationships among physical characteristics, physique-related perceptions, and psychological indicators of eating disorders, and (c) determining if a composite of physical and psychological variables could discriminate solo skaters from dance and pair skaters. Design: Cross-sectional. Methods: A battery of anthropometric dimensions was taken, and the Physical Self Description Questionnaire, Social Physique Anxiety Scale, and EDI were completed by 114 competitive female figure skaters 12–22 yrs of age. Results: Correlation analyses indicated that the BMI was the most robust biological variable for subsequent analyses. Using hierarchical stepwise regression analysis to determine if physical self-perceptions predicted EDI subscale score, age was forced into each analysis at the first step followed by the BMI at step two. A composite of psychological variables (SPAS and select PSDQ subscales) were randomly entered at step three. Beyond age and the BMI, each of the EDI subscales was predicted by at least one psychological variable, with the SPAS predicting six of the eight subscales. Physical and psychological variables accounted for 3% to 63% of the variance in the EDI subscale scores. Dancers and pair skaters were older and less endomorphic, and reported higher Health scores, but lower Appearance scores compared to solo skaters. Conclusion: Contextual, physical and psychological variables appear to be germane features of eating disorder risk among competitive adolescent female figure skaters.

This study examined whether elevations on four variables (drive for thinness, depressed mood, maladaptive cognitions, and ineffectiveness) were related to increased severity of eating disorder symptoms over a 4-year prospective interval in a sample of female undergraduates (N=80). Results indicated that initial scores on the four variables were related to severity of anorexic and bulimic symptoms 4 years later. Examination of each variable individually indicated that anorexia and bulimia may have different risk pathways, and that initial maladaptive cognitions and drive for thinness scores were more related to later eating disorder symptoms than were depressed mood or ineffectiveness.

Within the last four decades Asia has witnessed major transformation in its population demographics, which gave rise to changes in food availability, food habits and lifestyle. A significant consequence of these changes has been the continuing rise in overweight and obesity across Asia. In parallel, there has been a significant rise in Asians in the incidence of the major chronic diseases, particularly in cardiometabolic disorders such as metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and other cardiovascular diseases. Given that the majority of the evidence, to date, investigating the associations between adiposity and cardiometabolic disorder risk have been obtained from studies undertaken either in European or in North American Caucasians, in this chapter, we have reviewed differences in body fat content and distribution between East Asians, South Asians, and Caucasians. The evidence is consistent that the content and distribution of body fat are markedly different between the various ethnic groups. We found that Asians have a greater predisposition towards adiposity at higher BMI than in Caucasians. Moreover, at any given level of adiposity, Asians have a much greater predisposition to risk of cardiometabolic disorders than Caucasians. We therefore strongly endorse the need for different adiposity cutoffs in Asians as compared to the Caucasians. We have also reviewed the predictive abilities of the various body composition/adiposity measures in determining risk of cardiometabolic disorders in Asians.

The pathogenesis of anxiety disorders is multifactorial, involving complex interactions between biological factors, environmental influences and psychological mechanisms. Recent advances have highlighted the role of epigenetics in bridging the gap between multiple contributing risk factors toward an increased understanding of the pathomechanisms underlying anxiety. In this review, we present an overview of the current state of knowledge regarding putative risk mechanisms in the pathogenesis of anxiety disorders, placing a particular focus on the role of protective factors serving to buffer a risk factor constellation and the role of epigenetic processes functioning as a potent turnstile changing passage direction toward disorder risk or resilience. We discuss promising future directions in epigenetic research regarding the prediction, prevention and personalized treatment of anxiety disorders.

The study seeks to assess eating attitudes and healthy lifestyle behaviors of female students studying Nutrition and Dietetics, a field where dieticians who give right messages about healthy diet are trained. The research was conducted on a total number of 160 female students studying Nutrition and Dietetics. The data were collected through face-to-face interview using questionnaire form. The questionnaire included questions about the socioeconomic features, feeding habits and physical activity levels of students. Then anthropometric measurements were taken and Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-40) and Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors Scale (HLBS) were administered. SPSS 15.0 software was used to statistically analyze the data. Students' EAT- 40 score average is 13.6±7.4. The prevalence of those with high eating disorder risk is low (2.5%) and their total HLBS score average was found to have an intermediate level (124.1±16). EAT-40 score which shows a potential eating disorder in eating behaviors were found to be significantly high in students who were diagnosed with an illness (p=0.017), those following a diet (p=0.022) and those dissatisfied with their body weight (p=0.00). Total HLBS score on the other hand is significantly higher among students diagnosed with an illness (p=0.03). In conclusion, the study has found that eating disorder prevalence among female students studying Nutrition and Dietetics is low and that their score average from HLBS has an intermediate level.

Over the past two decades, the field of eating disorders has made remarkable strides in identifying, evaluating, and disseminating successful prevention programs. The current review identifies and discusses nine distinct eating disorders prevention programs that reduce existing eating disorder pathology or prevent the onset of future pathology. Each program was evaluated in one or more controlled trial with a follow-up period of at least six months. We review the evidence base for these nine successful programs and discuss their common and unique features. Based on authors' descriptions of their programs in published trials, we found that all programs were theory-driven, targeted one or more eating disorder risk factor (e.g., body dissatisfaction), were delivered across multiple group sessions, and included at least some interactive content. Most programs included content related to healthy eating/nutrition, media literacy/sociocultural pressures, and body acceptance/body satisfaction. Notably, there was wide variation in some participant features (e.g., participant age, sex, risk status) and intervention features (e.g., setting and format, length and dose, providers), suggesting that a variety of programs are beneficial in impacting eating disorder pathology. Implications and directions for future research are discussed, including an increased focus on universal and indicated prevention programs, expanding programs to a wider age range and a broader spectrum of weight-related problems, and rigorous evaluation of programs through efficacy, effectiveness, and implementation research.