Dietary restraint and self-perceptions in early adolescence

This study applied contemporary self-esteem theory to investigate the relationship between dietary restraint and a range of self-perceptions from the specific to the global level. Subjects were 108 girls and 113 boys aged 12.6±0.41 years who were involved in a longitudinal paediatric project. Reported eating behaviour was assessed using the three subscale Dutch Eating Behaviour Questionnaire. Self-perceptions were assessed using subscales from Harter's Self-Perception Profile for Adolescents and items designed to measure specific attributes related to the body. In addition, a comprehensive anthropometric profile which included body fatness was available. Results indicated that self-esteem was highly related to perceptions of appearance, particularly for girls. Girls also reported higher levels of dietary restraint than boys (2.36 vs 2.10). Dietary restraint was correlated strongly with perceived overfatness in girls ( r =0.58, P r =0.52, P