Body Weight and Shape Self-Cognitions, Emotional Distress, and Disordered Eating in Middle Adolescent Girls

Abstract

In this study, stability of the body weight/shape self-schema and possible self in a sample of middle adolescent girls during their transition from junior high to high school was examined and the relationship between these self-cognitions and emotional distress and disordered eating behaviors was explored. Subjects (N = 79) completed measures of self-cognitions, competence, and self-esteem in the 8th and 9th grades. Disordered eating and depression were measured in 9th grade. Eighth grade self-schema scores were used to identify the fat/out-of-shape (n = 21) and thin/athletic (n = 20) self-schema groups. For both groups, stability in the body weight/shape cognitions was found. Girls in the fat/out-of-shape group had lower self-esteem, appearance, and athletic competence scores in both grades and higher dieting and depression scores in 9th grade than the slim/athletic group. Regression analyses showed that the self-schema score was a stronger predictor of the outcomes than weight. Findings suggest that the body weight/shape self-schema plays an important role in adolescent girls' emotional health.