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Examining the relationship between body image dissatisfaction and orthorexia-related symptoms

Grewe, G. (2021) Examining the relationship between body image dissatisfaction and orthorexia-related symptoms.

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Abstract:Orthorexia Nervosa (ON) is a new mental health concern characterized by having obsessive thoughts and behaviours to eat healthy and proper food. It is a current debate if the mental health concern can be categorized as a feeding and eating disorder (FED) or as an obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Also, the mass media have a huge impact in representing this obsessive eating behaviour as healthy. A cross-sectional study was used to investigate influencing factors that might contribute to developing ON-related symptoms. These were body image dissatisfaction, following an eating diet, usage of the platform YouTube and a persons’ BMI. Overall, 338 University students took part in the study whereas 236 remain left for analysis. To identify possible relationships a Pearson correlation, t-tests and a one-way ANOVA were conducted. Results showed significant relationships for the variables of body dissatisfaction and eating behaviour relating to ON-related symptoms. No significant relations were found for YouTube use and BMI. However, both variables exhibited tendencies regarding ON-related symptoms. Thus, two out of four hypotheses were accepted. For future research, the exact categorization of ON should be investigated to point out its diagnostic relevance and increase treatment possibilities. Also, more detail about the observed tendencies of YouTube consumption and the BMI might increase the understanding of the relation of these variables to ON.
Item Type:Essay (Bachelor)
Faculty:BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences
Subject:77 psychology
Programme:Psychology BSc (56604)
Link to this item:https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/86793
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