ArticleLiterature Review

Loneliness and Eating Disorders

Taylor & Francis
The Journal of Psychology
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Abstract

This article examines the link between loneliness and eating disorders. This concept is evaluated through a systematic review of the literature that links loneliness and eating disorders and through a survey of themes connecting the 2 conditions. Eating disorders-including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and eating disorders that are not otherwise specified, which include binge eating disorder-are challenging health issues. Each of these diagnoses specifically relates to loneliness. This negative emotion contributes to and fuels eating disorder symptoms. Negative interpersonal relationships, both real experiences and individuals' skewed perceptions, exacerbate eating disorders and feelings of loneliness. Characteristics that have been associated with loneliness clearly relate to eating disorders. Understanding this relationship is vital, so that we can appreciate our patients' struggles and work to target these intense emotions within the treatment setting. We need to be aware of the power of loneliness as it applies to individuals in general and specifically to those struggling with disordered eating.

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... 16,19,20,23 This implicit hypervigilance combined with an increased sensitivity to negative social stimuli could imply that loneliness primes individuals to display a magnified instinct for selfpreservation and impaired social perception skills. 21,22 Loneliness also may increase the risk for obesity and worsened eating behaviors and disorders, 9,12,24,25 specifically with associations to increased sugar consumption and cravings for sugary beverages. 26,27 Sedentary behavior, often accompanied by social isolation, has been found to contribute to the development of depression, anxiety, suicidal behavior, personality disorders, and psychosis. ...
... When mental health disorders affect an individual's capacity to self-regulate emotional well-being, binge eating behaviors may emerge as a coping mechanism to combat the negative affect perceived during prolonged periods of social isolation. 25,32 Individuals experiencing loneliness also display increased activation in areas of the RN (ie, ventral striatum, insula, nucleus accumbens). 13 These RN alterations result in intense cravings also seen in individuals with drug and food addiction, 14 suggesting that social isolation may increase processing of reward-based regions by altering midbrain dopaminergic neurons, thereby inducing a craving for social reconnection and engagement. ...
... This brain reactivity serves as a mediator, bridging the connection between social isolation and eating behaviors, as well as an increase in body fat percentage. Previous studies have also linked social isolation and the DMN and VAN to eating disorders, compulsive eating, unhealthy eating habits, 12,24,25 and an increased risk for addictive behaviors and obesity. [84][85][86] Food cue reactivity among socially isolated individuals was associated with worsened mental health, including increased anxiety and reduced positive affect and psychological resilience. ...
Article
Importance Perceived social isolation is associated with negative health outcomes, including increased risk for altered eating behaviors, obesity, and psychological symptoms. However, the underlying neural mechanisms of these pathways are unknown. Objective To investigate the association of perceived social isolation with brain reactivity to food cues, altered eating behaviors, obesity, and mental health symptoms. Design, Setting, and Participants This cross-sectional, single-center study recruited healthy, premenopausal female participants from the Los Angeles, California, community from September 7, 2021, through February 27, 2023. Exposure Participants underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging while performing a food cue viewing task. Main Outcomes and Measures The main outcomes included brain reactivity to food cues, body composition, self-reported eating behaviors (food cravings, reward-based eating, food addiction, and maladaptive eating behaviors), and mental health symptoms (anxiety, depression, positive and negative affect, and psychological resilience). Results The study included 93 participants (mean [SD] age, 25.38 [7.07] years). Participants with higher perceived social isolation reported higher fat mass percentage, lower diet quality, increased maladaptive eating behaviors (cravings, reward-based eating, uncontrolled eating, and food addiction), and poor mental health (anxiety, depression, and psychological resilience). In whole-brain comparisons, the higher social isolation group showed altered brain reactivity to food cues in regions of the default mode, executive control, and visual attention networks. Isolation-related neural changes in response to sweet foods correlated with various altered eating behaviors and psychological symptoms. These altered brain responses mediated the connection between social isolation and maladaptive eating behaviors (β for indirect effect, 0.111; 95% CI, 0.013-0.210; P = .03), increased body fat composition (β, −0.141; 95% CI, −0.260 to −0.021; P = .02), and diminished positive affect (β, −0.089; 95% CI, −0.188 to 0.011; P = .09). Conclusions and Relevance These findings suggest that social isolation is associated with altered neural reactivity to food cues within specific brain regions responsible for processing internal appetite-related states and compromised executive control and attentional bias and motivation toward external food cues. These neural responses toward specific foods were associated with an increased risk for higher body fat composition, worsened maladaptive eating behaviors, and compromised mental health. These findings underscore the need for holistic mind-body–directed interventions that may mitigate the adverse health consequences of social isolation.
... This raises the question as to whether interaction with voices within EDs also has a social function or serves to meet a social need of the individual. This supposition is supported by Levine (2012), who reported that feelings of loneliness can be a factor in ED symptomatology. Troop and Bifulco (2002) found that women with eating disorders reported higher levels of loneliness than those without eating disorders and McFillin et al. (2012) argued that for many individuals, certain aspects of their anorexia are used to manage and cope with this feeling of loneliness. ...
... Like the findings of the previous research discussed (Levine, 2012;McFillin et al., 2012), this study found that there was a positive correlation between the degree of loneliness and ED symptom severity. Results demonstrated a significant prediction being found; however, this only accounted for a small amount of variability in eating disorder symptom severity, and due to the cross-sectional nature of this study, it was not possible to confirm the direction of causality of this prediction. ...
... This study contributes to the existing literature and is consistent with previous findings which report the influence of loneliness on EDSY severity (Arkell & Robinson, 2008;Levine, 2012;Mc-Fillin et al., 2012;Troop & Bifulco, 2002). Feeding this back into the evidence base helps to further inform clinical practice of the importance of meeting unmet needs regarding social contact and/ or social engagement within this population. ...
Article
Objectives Many individuals with eating disorders (EDs) report the experience of an ‘Anorexic voice’ (AV). Negative experiences of loneliness are also often associated with EDs. This study sought to explore the relationship between experiences of loneliness, the frequency of the AV and the impact of this on ED symptom severity. Design 165 individuals (mean age 27.54 years) who accessed online forums relating to EDs participated in this study. The sample included individuals who have experienced an AV [AV group ( N = 141)] and those who have not [non‐AV group ( N = 23)]. Methods The study utilised self‐report measures via an online questionnaire to explore the predictive validity of loneliness and frequency of the AV on ED symptom severity. Results Confirmatory analysis (AV group only) demonstrated the significance of the independent variables individually predicting ED symptom severity. However, a significant interaction was not found between the two primary variables in predicting ED symptom severity, more significantly than the influence of either variable alone. Exploratory analysis considered the differences between the two groups (AV and Non‐AV), as well as considering alternate predictors. Conclusions The findings offer insight into possible drivers behind engagement with the AV, as part of ED presentations in the community.
... Researchers found a small but significant increase in loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic among different groups of people [16]. The relationship between loneliness and eating disorders extends across the entire spectrum of severity from anorexia nervosa to binge eating and obesity [17]. Lonelier individuals are more likely to use food as a coping mechanism for unpleasant emotions, which can result in disordered eating patterns. ...
... More frequent feelings of loneliness were expected due to numerous findings showing higher levels of loneliness in individuals with chronic physical conditions and in individuals with numerous psychological problems [15,43]. Accordingly, it has been confirmed that the feeling of high levels of loneliness extends across the entire spectrum of severity from anorexia to overeating and obesity [17]. Also, lonelier individuals are more likely to use eating as a coping mechanism for unpleasant emotions, resulting in irregular eating habits, most commonly manifested in individuals diagnosed with binge eating disorder [18]. ...
... The significant results are consistent with previous findings that lonelier individuals report lower levels of life satisfaction [33]. In individuals with eating disorders, the feeling of loneliness is present across the entire spectrum of severity, as well as lower levels of life satisfaction, which can explain the obtained correlation between these two constructs in this study [9,17,29]. Furthermore, the significant predictive validity of resilience was also expected because resilience is one of the protective factors in individuals with eating disorders, and individuals who are more resilient to life's adversities report greater life satisfaction [23,32]. Such results were also expected because loneliness increased and resilience declined during the COVID-19 pandemic [16,25]. ...
Article
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Eating disorders are known as the most lethal mental health conditions, and lately there has been a significant increase in the prevalence of these disorders. The aim of this research was to determine the perceived quality of professional support, the relationship between subjective well-being, loneliness, resilience, and the quality of family functioning, and the possibility of predicting subjective well-being based on knowledge of psychosocial factors in people with eating disorders. Eighty-six women with a diagnosed eating disorder participated in the online survey. The Diener Subjective Well-Being Scale, the UCLA Loneliness Scale, the Brief Resilience Scale, and the Self-Report Family Inventory were used to measure the constructs. Questions were constructed to collect information about the perceived quality and availability of professional support. Results showed lower levels of life satisfaction and flourishing and more frequent negative experiences. Reports of medium levels of loneliness, lower levels of flourishing, and lower perceived quality of family functioning were also obtained. Significant predictors of subjective well-being were loneliness and resilience, while family cohesion was significant in predicting positive and negative experiences and flourishing. These findings can contribute to the recognition of aspects existent prior to the development of the disorder, based on which experts can determine what to focus on in the treatment process.
... Individuals who have experienced childhood trauma often report higher levels of loneliness, stemming from difficulties in forming and maintaining secure attachments and trusting relationships (30). This chronic sense of isolation and social disconnection can exacerbate the psychological distress associated with eating disorders, creating a vicious cycle that reinforces maladaptive eating behaviors (31). Furthermore, loneliness has recently been identified as a potential factor that may contribute to the worsening of physical conditions in people with eating disorders, calling for further investigations (24). ...
... The results corroborate recent studies that have identified loneliness as a significant factor in the worsening of physical and psychological conditions, including eating disorders (24,31,46). By empirically demonstrating the mediating role of loneliness, this study reinforces the importance of social connections in mental health and eating disorder psychopathology specifically (47,48). ...
Article
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Introduction Eating disorders (EDs) are complex and often linked to traumatic childhood experiences. While childhood trauma is known to increase the risk of EDs, the role of loneliness remains underexplored. This study investigates whether loneliness mediates the relationship between childhood trauma and ED symptoms. Methods A total of 230 individuals with EDs completed the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, the UCLA Loneliness Scale, and the Eating Disorders Examination Questionnaire. Mediation analysis was conducted to assess if loneliness mediates the relationship between childhood trauma and ED severity. Results Childhood trauma significantly predicted higher levels of loneliness (p < 0.001), which was associated with more severe ED symptoms (p = 0.001), with age and BMI as covariates. Mediation analysis showed loneliness partially mediated the relationship between childhood trauma and ED severity (indirect effect b = 0.003, 95%CI [0.001, 0.006]). Conclusion Loneliness partially mediates childhood trauma and ED symptoms, highlighting the need to address loneliness in treatment to mitigate the impact of childhood trauma on ED severity. These findings suggest the possible role of social connection-focused interventions in ED care and contribute to understanding the mechanisms underlying the development of EDs. Future research should explore additional mediators and moderators to provide a more comprehensive perspective.
... The risk factors associated with a greater sense of loneliness are young age, low income, unemployment, a lower level of education, smaller family size, living alone, reduced social support, physical or mental difficulty, difficulties regulating emotions, insomnia, and depression and anxiety [7,18,19]. The link between loneliness and eating disorders extends across the spectrum of disorders, from anorexia nervosa to episodic overeating and obesity, because loneliness plays an important role in food reduction and food addiction [20,21]. ...
... Increased social isolation and loneliness need to be included among the most significant effects of the COVID-19 pandemic [17]. Food seems to have an emotional quality that leads to "numbing" emotions, including loneliness [20]. Negative emotions seem to be associated with overeating [21,32]. ...
Article
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Purpose: The implementation of quarantine measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic presented challenges linked to adverse psychological effects, notably affecting individuals' eating patterns. This study aimed to investigate the eating patterns of individuals during lockdowns compared across sex, age, and income levels, and examine the influence of positive and negative emotions, as well as loneliness, on these patterns. Methods: A cross-sectional online study was conducted with 450 participants (aged 18-74 years old). One questionnaire about demographics, the Demographic Questionnaire, and three validated self-report scales (Eating Attitudes Test, comprising the Dieting, Bulimia, and Food Preoccupation, and Oral Control subscales, the Modified Differential Emotions Scale, and the UCLA Loneliness Scale) were employed. Convenience and snowball sampling were used. The data were collected between April and May 2021, primarily through social media platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. The survey questionnaire was shared via these platforms and users could answer if they wanted. Also, they were asked to send the questionnaire to their close contacts. Additionally, the survey questionnaire was distributed face-to-face to 80 participants. The statistical analyses included linear regression and mediation analyses. Results: Abnormal eating patterns (e.g. eating behaviors that tend to have signs of diet such as constant avoidance of fattening foods, the individual's involvement with becoming leaner, extreme control or preoccupation with food, overeating and purging methods) were identified in 25% of the 450 participants participated in this survey, aged 18-74 years. Moderate levels of negative/positive emotions and loneliness were predominantly reported. Female sex was significantly associated with abnormal eating patterns (p=0.010), particularly dietary behaviors (p=0.029). Negative emotions (p=0.032) and loneliness (p=0.001) emerged as predictive factors for overall eating patterns and bulimic behaviors. Negative emotions exhibited a direct correlation with eating patterns, while loneliness played a significant mediating role (p=0.032). Furthermore, the association between negative emotions and bulimia was partially mediated by loneliness (p=0.018). Conclusions: This study underscores the pivotal roles of negative emotions and loneliness in shaping eating patterns during quarantine. Multilevel public health interventions are needed to address the negative effects of quarantine and pandemics in general. Screening tests for mental health in the school and job environments could highlight the need for shaping interventions, such as counseling, group empowerment, and family support in order to mitigate the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on eating behaviors and mental health in general.
... In addition, they have a psychological profile characterized by severe body image distortion, perfectionism, inflexible eating behavior, intense affective reactivity, low self-efficacy, impaired self-esteem, feelings of loneliness, and pathological introversion [12]. This symptomatological constellation can weaken the social support network, reducing the possibilities of emotionally maturing and dealing with frustrations and sudden changes in their lives [12][13][14]. ...
... According to the analyzed studies, the health crisis scenario may have deepened the feeling of loneliness, which was already a common manifestation in this population [14]. Brown et al. [42] highlight the speech of a participant: "existential loneliness felt incredibly desperate and really quite painful" (p. ...
Article
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Background The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020 drastically changed the daily lives of the entire population. Despite being efficient in helping to avoid deaths and prevent the collapse of the healthcare system, social distancing can lead to unfavorable outcomes in the physical and mental health of the population, in particular, those diagnosed with eating disorders. This scope review aimed to analyze the scientific production on the psychosocial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on people with eating disorders, in the subtypes anorexia nervosa and bulimia. Method This is a scope review, based on a rigorous method based on the PRISMA strategy. The indexed databases PubMed, LILACS, PsycINFO, Web of Science, SciELO, CINHAL, and Embase were consulted. After screening 387 records, 19 studies were included in the review. Results The results were subdivided into four thematic categories: (1) repercussions of confinement on daily life, in which the impacts of social distancing on daily life are presented, such as greater contact with the family and sudden changes in routine; (2) impacts on the treatment performed for eating disorders, underlining the effects of discontinuity of face-to-face treatments; (3) consequences for mental health, highlighting the consequences of the uncertain period for psychological distress; and (4) effects on symptoms of eating disorders, emphasizing the consequences of the pandemic for the symptoms of anorexia and bulimia. Conclusion We concluded that the confinement and uncertainties of this period accentuated preexisting symptoms, arousing feelings of helplessness and loneliness, especially because they were patients who were more susceptible to routine changes and fragilization of social support networks. Strengthening the personal support network is especially important, as well as investing in strengthening the bond between family members and health services, which points to future research.
... A recent systematic review of ED interventions involving individuals with lived experience found a broad variation in roles, from isolated and passive activities, such as sharing ED recovery stories via blogs or videos, to more continuous and active roles, such as peer-mentoring programmes (Lewis & Foye, 2022). Peer support may be valuable to those with EDs owing to their experiences of isolation (Levine, 2012), stigma (Doley et al., 2017), and the ego-syntonic nature of some EDs (Gregertsen et al., 2017). A number of successful peer support approaches have been developed for individuals with EDs. ...
... ECHOMANTRA is based on the evidence that interventions aimed not only at patients, but also at their caregivers, can improve the health outcomes of patients. Involving the family in the treatment of eating disorders is a key strategy for recovery, as it strengthens patient social networks and breaks toxic loneliness and isolation [32,55]. Furthermore, the inclusion of family members in treatment is recommended by clinical guidelines such as the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence [34] and the American Psychiatric Association [4], as recovery from AN can involve many years of treatment, leading to emotional, family, and/or economic strain [56]. ...
Article
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Background Poor quality of life in adults with anorexia nervosa (AN) and persistent high rates of readmission highlight the necessity of developing interventions to optimize treatment outcomes. ECHOMANTRA is a novel online intervention based on interventions for carers (Experienced Carers Helping Others, ECHO) and patients (Maudsley Model of Anorexia Nervosa Treatment for Adults, MANTRA) with anorexia nervosa. The objective of this paper is to describe the study protocol of a randomized control trial (RCT) aimed at evaluating the efficacy of an adaptation of the ECHOMANTRA for adults AN inpatients and outpatients, and their carers, to be implemented as an add-on to treatment-as-usual (TAU). Methods In a multi − center pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT), 148 adult AN patients, and their carers, will be randomized to receive treatment as usual (TAU) or TAU plus ECHOMANTRA. Assessments will take place at baseline (T0), post-intervention (2-month) (T1), 6-month follow-up (T2), and 12-month follow-up (T3). Primary outcomes will be eating disorder psychopathology and psychological well-being. For carers, outcome variables will include psychological well-being, accommodation and enabling behaviors, expressed emotion, illness burden, quality of life and care skills. Discussion This study will provide evidence of the efficacy of this novel, online and protocolized intervention in facilitating the recovery of these patients. Trial registration ISRCTN registry (Identifier: 80253157 https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN80253157).
... The finding for women is especially interesting given that low fruit and vegetable consumption was more prevalent in men in this study -itself a result that seemingly contradicts national data which show that the consumption of vegetables is lower in Japanese women than men (31). As regards specific mechanisms it has been suggested that loneliness might be more important for dysregulated eating in women than men (63) and that it might also be related to dietary restraint in women (64). Indeed, a recent study indicated that loneliness may be more strongly related to dieting in adulthood in women than men (65). ...
Article
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Background Loneliness is the distressing feeling that arises when a person's network of social relations is perceived as being inadequate in some way. Research has linked loneliness to a number of detrimental health outcomes. There is also some evidence that lonely individuals are more likely to engage in poorer health behaviors. However, as yet, there has been comparatively little attention paid to the relation between loneliness and dietary behavior. In particular, there has been little focus on the association between loneliness and fruit and vegetable intake. Objective The aim of this cross-sectional study was to examine the association between loneliness and low fruit and vegetable consumption in the Japanese general population. Methods Data were analyzed from 3,410 Japanese adults collected in an online survey in early 2023. Information was obtained on past-week fruit and vegetable consumption with a single-item measure, while loneliness was assessed with the Three-Item Loneliness Scale. Information was also collected on sociodemographic characteristics, physical health status, health-risk behaviors and depressive symptoms. Logistic regression was used to assess associations. Results One in twenty (5.3%) adults reported low fruit and vegetable consumption. In a fully adjusted analysis loneliness was associated with higher odds for low fruit and vegetable consumption (OR: 1.14, 95%CI: 1.04–1.26). In sex- and age-stratified analyses loneliness was significantly associated with low fruit and vegetable consumption in both women and middle-aged adults, although confidence intervals overlapped for this association across all of the sex and age groups in the fully adjusted analyses. Conclusions Loneliness is associated with low fruit and vegetable consumption among adults in Japan. As loneliness and inadequate fruit and vegetable intake have both been linked to poorer health outcomes, the results of this study underscore the potential importance and public health benefits of reducing loneliness in Japan.
... In contrast, social support, perceived positive pandemic perceptions, and healthy nutrition were identified as favourable, potentially protective factors. Further relevant psychosocial factors, such as anxiety and depression (Elran-Barak & Goldschmidt, 2021), isolation (Levine, 2012), and sleep quality (Ciftci & Kızıl, 2023), are closely intertwined with eating behaviours and have been extensively studied in the context of the pandemic. Future research could benefit from integrating these psychosocial factors to further elucidate the complex interplay between the emergence of a crisis and eating behaviours/mental health. ...
Article
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Objective The COVID‐19 pandemic initiated public health measures, impacting mental health and exacerbating disordered eating behaviours (DEB). This study aims to fill gaps in understanding DEB in the general population during the pandemic, emphasising gender dynamics and the experiences of gender and/or sexual minority (SGM) individuals. Method A systematic literature review followed PRISMA guidelines to investigate DEB during the pandemic, focusing on gender‐sensitive analyses and SGM populations. Outcomes from the included studies were synthesised to identify patterns and associations related to DEB, particularly considering gender dynamics and SGM experiences. Results Significant gender associations with DEB were observed, with women consistently exhibiting higher scores. SGM populations also showed elevated DEB symptoms. Longitudinal studies indicated changes in DEB over time, with some decreases observed among men. Conclusions The review underscores significant gender differences in DEB during the pandemic, with women exhibiting higher symptom levels. Lockdown measures had nuanced impacts on DEB, varying across studies. Various factors including pandemic‐related stressors influenced DEB. Consideration of these factors can inform tailored interventions for DEB in the general population. Overall, the review enhances our understanding of how gender intersects with the pandemic's impact on DEB, emphasising the need for diverse approaches to address these behaviours.
... In contrast, bulimia nervosa involves episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors, while binge-eating disorder features recurrent episodes of uncontrolled eating without compensatory actions. These conditions compromise not only physical health but also cognitive and emotional well-being, contributing to anxiety, depression, and social isolation (Bhattacharya et al., 2020;Makri et al., 2022;Levine, 2012) . ...
Article
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Background: This study examines the prevalence of eating disorders and their link to perceived stress among working professionals in Coimbatore to inform targeted prevention and intervention strategies. Methods: This cross-sectional study assessed the correlation between eating disorders (EDs) and perceived stress among 223 college faculty members in Coimbatore, India. Data were collected through structured self-reported questionnaires, including the Perceived Stress Scale and the SCOFF questionnaire. Analysis using SPSS (version 25) involved descriptive statistics and inferential tests, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The study results reveal that the average BMI of respondents is 26.38, indicating overweight status, with waist circumference averaging 87.73 cm, suggesting abdominal obesity. Screen time averages 2.84 hours on weekdays and 3.31 hours on weekends, pointing to a sedentary lifestyle. The correlation analysis between perceived stress and eating behaviors among working professionals in Coimbatore showed no statistically significant relationship between perceived stress (PSS score) and eating habits, meal skipping, or snacking frequency. However, there was a moderate positive correlation between eating disorders and demographic factors. Additionally, a strong negative correlation was observed between meal skipping and the specific meal skipped (r = -0.982, p < 0.001), indicating a pattern of consistently skipping the same meal. Conclusions: The study indicates that perceived stress does not significantly influence eating behaviors among working professionals in Coimbatore, emphasizing the need for further exploration of factors affecting dietary habits in this population
... Loneliness can be a burden for eating psychopathology (11), and EDs might be a dysfunctional attempt to manage and cope with the absence of close relationships (12). Moreover, loneliness can affect the psychological and physical well-being of ED patients (13). ...
Article
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Background Eating disorders (ED) involve dysfunctional attitudes towards food intake, affecting physical and psychosocial well-being. These disorders significantly impact various domains of life and can lead to a decrease in health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Recent studies emphasize the importance of addressing HRQoL in ED treatment, particularly in the context of social isolation and loneliness, but this aspect is currently poorly evaluated. Methods A sample of 220 people with an ED was enrolled for the study from different centers specialized in the treatment of ED and compared to 151 people from the general population. Different validated questionnaires were used to evaluate eating psychopathology, HRQoL, and loneliness. Partial correlation analyzes adjusted for marital status and regressions were used to evaluate the relationships between constructs and the differences between groups. Results Higher feelings of loneliness were associated with a poorer HRQoL in patients and controls. In the ED group, both loneliness and eating psychopathology were significant predictors of HRQoL. Meanwhile, the duration of the disorder predicted HRQoL specifically in underweight patients, and BMI was a predictor of HRQoL in individuals with normal or above-normal weight. Conclusions These findings highlight the importance of considering both HRQoL and loneliness in EDs, particularly among younger individuals. This approach aligns with the increasing focus on the role of interpersonal relationships in the recovery process. Additionally, the data confirm a link between weight and loneliness, suggesting that this connection, especially the differences between underweight patients and those of other weights, deserves further investigation.
... However, limited number of studies have been conducted in this regard with inconsistent results. 13,14,15,16,17 To better understand the aspect of food addiction and its psychosocial correlates in the adolescent population, the present study was conducted with objectives of determining the prevalence of food addiction in the nonclinical sample of Indian adolescents and to determine the correlation of food addiction with perceived stress and self-esteem. ...
Article
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• Background: Adolescence is a naive juvenile age susceptible to newer stresses of lifestyle and exposure of wide variety of foods. The self-esteem of an individual starts to mount up with the development of personality as a whole. • Objectives: To determine the prevalence of food addiction and its correlation with perceived stress and self-esteem in adolescents. • Methods: An online questionnaire survey was done on 103 adolescents through over a period of 3 months from May to July 2023. The questionnaire consisted of Sociodemographic data in terms of age, gender, body mass index (BMI), type of family, Yale's food addiction questionnaire, Rosenberg's self-esteem scale, and Perceived stress scale. Correlation coefficient was determined between food addiction, perceived stress, and self-esteem. P-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. • Results: The study population ranged from 10 to 19 years (mean age 14.59 ± 3 years), with 71(68.93%) males and 32(31.07%) females. Food addiction was present in 35(33.98%) study population. Food addiction showed a significant positive correlation with perceived stress (r=0.268, p=0.006) and significantly negative correlation with self-esteem (r=-0.524, p<0.0001). There was no association of food addiction with sociodemographic characteristics of the study population. Food addiction was mild in 1(2.86%) patient, moderate in 22(62.86%) patients, and severe in 12(34.29%) patients. The perceived stress was significantly higher in adolescent with 234 Afr. severe food addiction as compared to moderate food addiction (21.92 ± 4.6 vs 16.95 ± 3.27, p value=0.003) The severity of the food addiction also showed a significant association with severity of perceived stress (P=0.001). • Conclusion: Food addiction is prevalent in adolescent population and it is significantly affected by the perceived stress of the individual. Further, it also lowers the self-esteem of an individual.
... Esta variable se ha trabajado en el módulo GGED con ítems como "Puedo confiar en mí misma" o "La gente se centra en mis aspectos positivos". La baja autoestima está asociada al desarrollo y al mantenimiento de los TCA (Beato-Fernández et al., 2004;Berengüí et al., 2016;Ghaderi y Scott, 2001;Kim y Lennon, 2007), así como a sentimientos de inseguridad, insuficiencia, ineficacia, ausencia de valía personal, déficits de autonomía y a problemas en las relaciones interpersonales (Levine, 2012;Rutsztein et al., 2014). Además, la baja autoestima es uno de los componentes nucleares de los TCA según la aproximación transdiagnóstica de Fairburn et al. (2003). ...
Article
Recientemente se ha desarrollado un módulo dentro de una aplicación móvil (App) con el objetivo de abordar las creencias disfuncionales asociadas a los trastornos de la conducta alimentaria (TCA). El objetivo fue realizar un estudio preliminar sobre la eficacia analizando los cambios tras el uso de la App en un grupo de población general adulta. Se utilizó un diseño cuasiexperimental en el que 86 personas completaron una evaluación en la línea base, de las cuales 32 emplearon la App durante 3 minutos al día durante 15 días y completaron la evaluación postratamiento. Los resultados antes y después del uso de la aplicación mostraron una disminución en las puntuaciones medias de las creencias disfuncionales sobre el perfeccionismo asociado a la apariencia física, la vulnerabilidad al aumento de peso y la importancia del control de los pensamientos, así como un aumento en la autoestima. No se observó reducción significativa en la sintomatología alimentaria, ni en los síntomas depresivos. Los datos sugieren que la aplicación podría ser útil para reducir creencias disfuncionales asociadas a los TCA.
... This variable is worked on in the GGED module with items such as "I can trust myself" or "People focus on my positive aspects". Low self-esteem is associated with the development and maintenance of EDs (Beato-Fernández et al., 2004;Berengüí et al., 2016;Ghaderi & Scott, 2001;Kim & Lennon, 2007), as well as with feelings of insecurity, inadequacy, ineffectiveness, lack of self-worth, autonomy deficits and problems in interpersonal relationships (Levine, 2012;Rutsztein et al., 2014). In addition, low self-esteem is one of the core components of ED according to the transdiagnostic approach of . ...
Article
A module has recently been developed within a mobile application (app) with the purpose of addressing dysfunctional beliefs associated with eating disorders (ED). The aim was to conduct a preliminary efficacy study by analyzing changes after use of the app in a general adult population. A quasi-experimental design was used in which 86 people completed a baseline assessment, and of them, 32 used the app daily for 3 minutes over a period of 15 days and completed the post-treatment assessment. Results before and after use of the app showed a decrease in mean scores for dysfunctional beliefs about perfectionism associated with physical appearance, vulnerability to weight gain, and the importance of thought control, as well as an increase in self-esteem. No significant reduction in eating symptomatology or depressive symptoms was observed. The results suggest that the app could be useful in reducing dysfunctional beliefs associated with ED.
... These results confirm that anxiety about health (or hypochondriasis) is a major correlate of substance misuse (Palmer and Daiss 2005;Jeffers et al. 2015), but EA may be explained by a more complex form of worry comprising health and social concerns. Eating disorders have been previously related to loneliness and negative interpersonal relationships (Levine 2012). The consumption of sweet food or highcarbohydrate food was significantly related with loneliness or social rejection (Laitinen, Ek, and Sovio 2002;Baumeister et al. 2005). ...
Article
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Introduction. According to the self-medication hypothesis, worriers use substances to cope with their symptoms; however, some published results have challenged this hypothesis. The aim of this study is to show if worry increases the risk of SUD when it is negatively appraised by negative metacognitive beliefs. Method. We recruited three samples: 68 patients with a severe AUD, 27 patients dependent on eating and 42 control participants. We used the Yale Food Addiction Scale-2, the Metacognitions Questionnaire-65, the UPPS-P Impulsive Behaviour Scale and the Anxiety Thoughts Inventory. Results. We confirmed a direct effect of worries and metaworry on alcohol (AUD) and eating addiction (EA), but our multivariate analyses revealed that metacognitive beliefs and metaworry are the most robust predictors of alcohol and eating addiction. Discussion. We reported substance-related differences in the relationship between worry and addiction. AUD is related to the metacognitive activity set in motion by worries while EA is associated with a maladaptive form of worry (meta-worry) where worries are negatively interpreted.
... The entanglement with the ED makes it di cult to be part of a relational context. Similar to the participants in this study, Levine (2012) highlighted how individuals with EDs may struggle to relate to others when they strongly identify with their ED, although the participants in our study expressed an ambivalent longing for understanding and intimacy (38). Additionally, Bachner-Melman et al. (2023) discussed the di culties individuals with EDs face in developing mutuality in relationships, as they tend to either overly satisfy the needs of family members and friends or meet the needs of the ED (39). ...
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Background: Eating disorders are psychiatric conditions involving not just weight, body, and shape concerns but also self-esteem, emotional, interpersonal, and cognitive difficulties. Understanding the deeper meaning of living with an eating disorder is significant from a theoretical standpoint and crucial for identifying factors that maintain or inhibit these disorders. Patient-centred studies offer valuable insights into the lived experience of eating disorders, highlighting their impact and interaction with various life phenomena. This qualitative study aimed to capture the meaning and experience of living with an eating disorder from a patient perspective. Methods: Interviews were conducted with 15 women suffering from eating disorders and comorbid depressive symptoms prior to the start of treatment. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Two dimensions of relating to the eating disorder were identified. The first dimension, "Having an eating disorder - a relentless relating," described the present experience and was divided into two themes: “The eating disorders impact on relating to myself” and “The eating disorders impact on relating to others”. The second dimension "Relating to the eating disorder over time” followed a timeline with four themes; “The eating disorder as a way to handle other difficulties”, “From control to consistent loss of control”, “The whole existence is impinged” and “Hard to see a life without the eating disorder”. Conclusions: Living with an eating disorder involves a constant, disorganized relationship to the eating disorder that creates alienation from significant others and one's own body, making it challenging to relate to oneself and the world without eating disordered thoughts and behaviours. Over time, the eating disorder becomes increasingly ego-syntonic, making it hard to envision life without it. Therefore, treatment should highlight interventions to help individuals view the disorder as distinct from themselves, in reconnecting with their bodies, and acknowledging their needs and wishes. Given that eating disorders often become the central focus of life, treatment should also aim to foster new life goals, social engagement, improve interpersonal skills, and develop a meaningful life beyond the eating disorder.
... Η μοναξιά και η απομόνωση αποτελούν επίσης παράγοντες κινδύνου για ψυχολογικά ζητήματα (Holt-Lunstad et al., 2015), καθώς και για την ανάπτυξη και συντήρηση των διατροφικών διαταραχών (Levine, 2011). Η κοινωνική υποστήριξη έχει αποδειχθεί ότι μείωσε τον αντίκτυπο των διαφόρων τραυμάτων κατά τη διάρκεια προηγούμενων μολυσματικών ασθενειών (Main et al., 2011), ωστόσο αυτό φαντάζει εξαιρετικά δύσκολο για άτομα που ζουν μόνα τους κατά τη διάρκεια της πανδημίας. ...
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H πανδημία Covid- 19 εισέβαλε στη ζωή εκατομμυρίων ανθρώπων σε ολόκληρο τον πλανήτη, οι οποίοι βιώνουν πρωτόγνωρες καταστάσεις με σημαντικές κοινωνικές, ψυχολογικές και οικονομικές επιπτώσεις. Τα παιδιά επηρεάστηκαν άμεσα από τα περιοριστικά μέτρα, τη διατάραξη της καθημερινότητας και την εξ’ αποστάσεως εκπαίδευση. Σκοπός της παρούσας πτυχιακής είναι η διεξαγωγή μιας έρευνας, η οποία διερευνά τις ψυχολογικές επιπτώσεις της πανδημίας και τις πιθανές αλλαγές στη ρουτίνα/καθημερινότητα, τη σχολική επίδοση και την κοινωνικότητα των παιδιών της πρωτοβάθμιας εκπαίδευσης. Η διερεύνηση του φάσματος των ψυχικών επιπτώσεων μπορεί να συμβάλει στην ουσιαστική κατανόηση του προβλήματος και την επιλογή στοχευμένων παρεμβάσεων πρόληψης ή αντιμετώπισης τόσο σε ατομικό και οικογενειακό επίπεδο, όσο και στο πλαίσιο της δημόσιας υγείας. Στην παρούσα έρευνα συμμετείχαν 120 γονείς παιδιών πρωτοβάθμιας εκπαίδευσης που κατοικούν στην Ελλάδα. Η συλλογή του δείγματος έγινε με τη συμπλήρωση ηλεκτρονικού ερωτηματολογίου του Google Forms, το οποίο εμπεριείχε εκτενές μέρος που αφορούσε δημογραφικές και άλλες πληροφορίες. Για τη στατιστική ανάλυση των δεδομένων, χρησιμοποιήθηκε η περιγραφική στατιστική με την αξιοποίηση του στατιστικού εργαλείου SPSS. Σύμφωνα με τα ευρήματα, το 63,3% των ερωτηθέντων απάντησε ότι η ψυχολογική κατάσταση των παιδιών τους επηρεάστηκε αρνητικά με κυριότερη αιτία την απουσία κοινωνικών επαφών (31,7%). Το 32,5% των ερωτηθέντων απάντησε ότι τα παιδιά τους ήταν μέτρια θλιμμένα τόσο κατά το πρώτο, όσο και κατά το δεύτερο κύμα της πανδημίας του κορωνοϊού. Η ρουτίνα/ καθημερινότητα των παιδιών μεταβλήθηκε σε μεγάλο βαθμό, καθώς το 87,5% των ερωτηθέντων απάντησε θετικά. Ωστόσο, δε σημειώθηκε σημαντική πτώση στις σχολικές επιδόσεις, καθώς το 35,8% των ερωτηθέντων απάντησαν πως δεν μειώθηκαν καθόλου οι σχολικές επιδόσεις των παιδιών.
... Student well-being is increasingly becoming a worldwide concern, also in South Africa (Jones et al., 2021;Pretorius & Blaauw, 2020). Many students, specifically first-year students, struggle with mental and psychological health problems such as anxiety (Wangeri et al., 2012), depression (Bakker et al., 2017), stress (Schwartz et al., 2021), panic attacks (Bruffaerts et al., 2019), eating disorders (Levine, 2012) and suicidal thoughts (Bruffaerts et al., 2019). There is also a growing concern as students experience more mental and psychological challenges (Browning et al., 2021). ...
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Over the last decade, higher education institutions (HEIs) have become increasingly interested in student well-being. However, since the student population is very diverse in South Africa, questionnaires measuring the well-being of students must be psychometrically sound for different cultural and demographic groups. This study aimed to determine the psychometric properties of the Mental Health Continuum Short-Form (MHC-SF), including factorial validity, measurement invariance, item bias and internal consistency. The sample consisted of 1285 first-year university students. The three-factor structure of the MHC-SF was confirmed, indicating that emotional, social and psychological well-being are three independent factors. Invariance results showed that the MHC-SF produced similar results across campuses and gender sub-groups, although partial invariance was present among language groups. Item bias was present for different sub-groups, but the practical impact was negligible. Reliability scores indicated that all three dimensions are reliable in this sample. This study’s findings could help higher education institutions with preliminary results on the validity and reliability of a widely used well-being measure to assess university students’ subjective well-being and could aid in investigating and measuring first-year students’ overall well-being during their transition to tertiary education.Contribution: This study contributes to creating knowledge about fair and unbiased measurement of student well-being across different sub-groups in South Africa.
... Loneliness can also trigger symptoms of eating disorders [41]. Social bond de cits in individuals aged 50-95 are linked to accelerated aging, increased morbidity, disability, and mortality [42]. ...
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Background: Mental well-being is defined as subjective well-being, characterized by an emotional and cognitive evaluation of one's life that leads to high life satisfaction and low levels of negative emotions. It is estimated that in Poland in 2017, 2.4% of men suffered from depression. Research findings confirm that individuals with a high sense of loneliness often face mental health issues. Loneliness is a predictor of the likelihood of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. The aim of this study was to assess the mental well-being in a group of men in Poland. Methods: The study was conducted on a representative sample of 438 men who completed a survey through an online portal using the Computer-Assisted Web Interviewing (CAWI) technique. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS-M) and the UCLA Loneliness Scale (R-UCLA) were used to assess mental well-being. The average age of the participating men was 45.61±15.64 years. Results: On the HADS-M scale, participants scored an average of 13.91±9.35 points. Anxiety disorders were identified in 21.91% of the participants on the anxiety subscale, and depressive disorders in 12.55% on the depression subscale. On the loneliness scale, participants scored an average of 40.50±10.78 points. A moderately high and very high sense of loneliness was found in 21.00% and 2.30% of the participants, respectively. Conclusions : In this study, one fifth of the participants experienced anxiety disorders, and every tenth man showed depressive disorders. Every fifth man experienced a moderately high sense of loneliness. The main predictor of depression symptoms and higher levels of loneliness was the poor financial situation of the participants and a lack of financial decisiveness.
... For instance, lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic may have caused an increase in the number of meals and snacking [34]; in addition, individuals with disordered eating frequently report a high level of intolerance to uncertainty [35,36], making them particularly prone to increases in discomfort as a result of the ambiguity and unpredictability that characterized the pandemic period. Significant changes in habits that may result in changes in body shape or weight may further exacerbate eating-related anxiety in this population [37,38]. It is noteworthy that mothers seem to have suffered an increase in their dysfunctional symptoms both in the area of impulse dysregulation and hyperarousal (with binge eating episodes) and in the area of mood symptoms (depression and anxiety). ...
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Objective: Research on the psychopathological effects of the COVID-19 pandemic has not specifically focused on mothers with dysregulated eating and their children. Methods: This study aimed to observe whether the symptoms of mothers with binge eating episodes (assessed through the SCL-90/R and the TFEQ-R18) worsened from the pre-pandemic period (T1) to the pandemic period (T2). In addition, we sought to assess whether the levels of internalizing/externalizing and dysregulation symptoms in children (assessed through the CBCL 6–18) worsened from T1 to T2. Results: Our results showed that the values obtained for mothers in the SCL-90/R were significantly higher at T2 (during the pandemic), particularly for Depression, Phobic Anxiety, Interpersonal Sensitivity, and Obsessive–Compulsive subscales. Moreover, in both the Emotional Eating and Uncontrolled Eating subscales of the TFEQ-R18, mothers at T2 scored substantially higher than mothers at T1. The emotional/behavioral functioning of children was more maladaptive at T2, according to mothers, especially for the subscales of Withdrawn, Anxious/Depressed, and Aggressive Behavior. Children also had significantly higher scores on the Internalizing and Externalizing subscales, as well as greater symptoms of dysregulation. Conclusions: This study contributes to demonstrating that the COVID-19 pandemic may have had increased maladaptive emotional/behavioral functioning in children and their mothers with dysregulated eating.
... For instance, folate consumed from fortification and dietary supplements has been shown to be unrelated to depression, while folate in natural foods can reduce the risk of depression (40). Currently, there is no research on the relationship between fruit intake and individuals with a sense of loneliness, but a small amount of research has confirmed that a sense of loneliness can lead to eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa and binge eating disorder (41). A sense of loneliness and emotional fluctuations may be due to changes in neurotransmitters and neuropeptides in the body, which may further affect individual eating habits and genetic variations related to fruit intake. ...
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Background The association between dietary patterns and depression has gained significant attention, but the relationship between fruit intake and depression remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the role of fruit intake in the risk of depression using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis, and further explore the causal relationship between them. Materials and methods Cross-sectional analysis was conducted using the 2005–2018 NHANES data. Specialized weighted complex survey design analysis software was used for multivariate logistic analysis. Additionally, genetic variants for fruit intake and depression, as well as its related neuroticism traits, from the GWAS were used as instrumental variables in MR analysis. The inverse variance weighted (IVW) method was employed as the primary analysis method to evaluate the causal relationship between them. MR-Egger regression, MR-PRESSO test, and leave-one-out analysis were conducted to assess heterogeneity and pleiotropy. Results In NHANES, compared to the lowest quartile (Q1, <0.12 cup], the highest quartile (Q4, >1.49 cups) of fruit intake showed a significant reduction in the risk of depression after adjusting for relevant covariates. Model 3, after rigorous adjustment for multiple covariates, demonstrated improved predictive performance in both Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and Decision curve analysis (DCA). In Model 3, the proportion of reduced depression risk associated with fruit intake reached 31% (OR = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.50–0.95). This association remained significant in the MR analysis (OR = 0.92, 95% CI = 0.87–0.96; p = 5.09E-04). Fruit intake was also associated with a decreased risk of neuroticism traits related to depression, including feeling lonely (OR = 0.82, 95% CI = 0.74–0.90; p = 2.91E-05), feeling miserable (OR = 0.79, 95% CI = 0.72–0.87; p = 2.35E-06), feeling fed-up (OR = 0.75, 95% CI = 0.68–0.83; p = 2.78E-08), irritable mood (OR = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.79–0.99; p = 0.03), and neuroticism (OR = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.76–0.96; p = 9.94E-03). The causal relationship between feeling lonely and fruit intake was bidirectional. Conclusion Increased fruit intake has a causal effect in reducing the risk of depression and is beneficial for related psychological well-being.
... These mechanisms may be the key to reducing the impact of PEs on the emergence of later DE and are thus recommended to be the focus of prevention and individualized early intervention strategies. Finally, future studies should explore underlying mechanisms and other potential mediators of PEs effects on DE, such as loneliness (Endo et al., 2022;Levine, 2012). ...
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Background The relationship between psychosis and disordered eating remains a challenging area of research to which little interest was paid. Using longitudinal data, we aimed to explore the hypothesis that the pathways from psychotic experiences (PEs) to disordered eating (DE) and body-mass index (BMI) are mediated by body-image disturbances. Methods A prospective longitudinal study was performed. High-school students (N = 510, 61.2% females, mean age of 16.05 ± 1.01 years) were asked to complete three scheduled assessments (Baseline, 6 months, and 12 months). Results Two body image components, that is, Overweight Preoccupation and Body Area Satisfaction, mediated the prospective association between baseline PEs and DE 12 months later. Direct effects were significant. After accounting for indirect effects through more severe body image concerns at 6 months, higher baseline PEs were significantly associated with greater DE at 12 months. Baseline PEs and 6-month body image explained a significant proportion of variance in 12-month DE. However, we did not find evidence of a direct prospective association between PEs and BMI. Conclusion This study is the first to assess the mediating role of body image between PEs and DE. Findings offer promising new avenues for early intervention to help mitigate the effects of PEs on DE in adolescents.
... These psychological repercussions are exacerbated by the profound impact of societal stigma and misconceptions surrounding eating disorders, which can hinder affected individuals from seeking timely and appropriate treatment. Additionally, disordered eating behaviors often result in significant impairments in social and occupational functioning, exacerbating feelings of isolation and perpetuating the disorder cycle [9]. Given the multifaceted nature of these concerns, a comprehensive understanding of disordered eating behaviors is indispensable for healthcare professionals, policymakers, and educators to collaboratively address the rising prevalence and harmful consequences of these conditions, ultimately striving to promote healthier relationships with food and body image in society. ...
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Orthorexia nervosa is an emerging and controversial eating disorder characterized by an obsessive preoccupation with healthy eating and an extreme fixation on food purity. Despite growing public interest in orthorexia, its classification as a distinct eating disorder remains a subject of ongoing debate in the mental health community. This paper comprehensively reviews the current literature on orthorexia nervosa, exploring the prevalence rates, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment options. The paper offers an overview of orthorexia and its historical context and explores the challenges and considerations in diagnosing orthorexia and orthorexia nervosa. Specifically, the distinction between "orthorexia" and "orthorexia nervosa" is a debated issue in eating disorder research due to a lack of clear diagnostic criteria, making it challenging to accurately differentiate between an obsession with healthy eating and a more severe form with potential distress and impairment. Given the absence of formal diagnostic criteria, developing valid and reliable assessment tools is crucial to accurately identify and treat individuals experiencing these disorders. The paper's final section covers the existing treatment approaches for orthorexia nervosa. Overall, the paper highlights the complex and multifaceted nature of orthorexia nervosa. This review contributes to the ongoing discourse surrounding orthorexia and provides valuable insights for clinicians, researchers, and stakeholders in the mental health and eating disorders fields.
... ve yeme bozukluklarına(Holt-Lunstad, Smith, Baker, Harris ve Stephenson, 2015;Levine, 2012; Matthews vd., 2017) yol açtığı göz önüne alındığında yalnızlığın etiyolojisi araştırmacıların ilgi duyduğu bir konu olmuştur.Son yıllarda kullanım oranları dikkate alındığında yalnızlık ile akıllı telefon ve internet bağımlılığı arasındaki ilişkiler dikkat çekmektedir. Araştırma sonuçları yalnızlık ile akıllı telefon bağımlılığı(Gökçearslan, Yıldız-Durak, Berikan ve Sarıtepeci, 2021) ve internet bağımlılığı(Peper ve Harvey, 2018) arasında pozitif bir ilişki olduğunu kanıtlamıştır. ...
... 18 Indeed, loneliness has been posited as both a risk and maintenance factor for eating disorders. 14 While concerns about college students' mental health was mounting prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the COVID-19 pandemic had a notable impact on their mental health. College students have reported difficulty coping with disruptions caused by the pandemic, and are reporting increases in stress, anxiety, depression, loneliness, and social isolation. ...
Article
Objective: To identify the association between loneliness and eating disorder symptomatology among a national sample of U.S. college students during COVID-19. Participants: Cross-sectional data from the 2020-2021 Healthy Minds Study (N = 96,645) were analyzed. Methods: Loneliness was measured using the UCLA 3-item Loneliness Scale and eating disorder symptomology was measured using the SCOFF questionnaire. Multiple modified Poisson regression analyses were conducted, adjusting for confounding variables. Results: Greater loneliness was associated with both a positive eating disorder screen (risk ratio [RR] 1.09, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.09-1.10) and greater number of eating disorder symptoms (RR 1.07, 95% CI 1.06-1.08). Gender modified this relationship, and men who endorsed greater loneliness had higher risk of eating disorder symptomatology compared to women. Conclusions: Loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with a greater risk of eating disorder symptomatology among college students. Findings underscore the need for social support and eating disorders programming on college campuses.
... Isolation and feeling misunderstood are described as core difficulties associated with eating disorders and can be barriers to change (Espíndola & Blay, 2009;Hempel et al., 2018;Levine, 2012). The MFT-AN mechanisms identified in this study appear to directly influence both of these factors. ...
Article
Objective: Multi-family therapy (MFT-AN) is a promising group-based treatment for adolescent anorexia nervosa. This study aimed to explore how young people and parents perceived change to occur during MFT treatment. Methods: Young people (10-18 years) diagnosed with anorexia nervosa or atypical anorexia nervosa and their parents who completed MFT-AN alongside family therapy for anorexia nervosa within the preceding 2 years were eligible for this study. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted. Recordings were transcribed verbatim and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Twenty-three participants (8 young people, 10 mothers and 5 fathers) completed interviews. Five main themes were identified; (1) Powerful connection, (2) Intensity, (3) New learning and perspective shifts, (4) Comparisons, and (5) Discharge is not recovery. There was a strong sense that being with others in a similar position in an intense environment were key factors in promoting change. Comparisons were inevitable and could promote insight and foster motivation, but could also be unhelpful at times. Participants spoke about how recovery continues beyond service use and requires ongoing attention and support. Conclusions: Through the mechanisms of connection, intensity, new learning and comparisons change is perceived to occur in MFT-AN. Some of these are considered unique to this treatment format.
... Bu nedenle yemenin duygusal bir yön kazanacağı ve yalnızlık dahil birçok farklı duygu ile başa çıkmak için kullanılacağı belirtilmiştir. Duygularla başa çıkmak için kullanılan bu ilişkinin de anoreksiya nervozadan tıkınırcasına yeme bozukluğuna kadar farklı yeme bozukluklarını etkilediği dile getirilmiştir (Levine, 2012). Tanı koyulmuş yeme bozukları (Bulimia nervosa, anoreksiya nervosa) veya düzensiz yeme tutum ve davranışlarına sahip bireylerin genellikle yalnız bir yaşam sürdüğü belirtilmiştir (Pritchard & Yalch, 2009). ...
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Amaç: Bu araştırmada yalnızlık ve olumsuz beden konuşmalarının duygusal yeme üzerindeki yordama gücü incelenmiştir. Ayrıca yalnızlık, duygusal yeme ve olumsuz beden konuşmalarının cinsiyet, eğitim durumu, beden kitle indeksi, psikolojik yardım alma ve vücudu değiştirme isteği değişkenleri bakımından farklılaşıp farklılaşmadığı araştırılmıştır. Yöntem: Araştırmanın örneklemini, çalışmaya katılmaya gönüllü olan 510 yetişkin oluşturmaktadır. Korelasyonel araştırma modeline göre yapılan çalışmada yalnızlığı ölçmek için UCLA Yalnızlık Ölçeği Kısa Form, duygusal yeme düzeyini belirlemek için Türkçe Duygusal Yeme Ölçeği, olumsuz beden konuşmalarını belirlemek için Olumsuz Beden Konuşmaları Ölçeği ve Demografik Bilgi Formu kullanılmıştır. Verilerin analizinde çoklu doğrusal regresyon analizi, Bağımsız Gruplar T testi ve ANOVA testi kullanılmıştır. Bulgular: Yapılan analizler sonucunda yalnızlık, olumsuz beden konuşmaları ve duygusal yeme arasında istatistiksel olarak anlamlı bir ilişki bulunmuştur. Yalnızlık ve olumsuz beden konuşmalarının duygusal yemenin yordayıcısı olduğu bulunmuştur. Yalnızlık puanlarının medeni durum, psikolojik destek alma, vücudunu değiştirme isteği değişkenleri bakımından; duygusal yeme ve olumsuz beden konuşmaları puanlarının cinsiyet, medeni durum, psikolojik destek alma, vücudunu değiştirme isteği ve BKİ değişkenlerine göre farklılaştığı tespit edilmiştir. Özgünlük: Duygusal yeme, yalnızlık ve olumsuz beden konuşmaları bir arada inceleyen alanyazındaki nadir araştırmalardan biri olunacağından dolayı bu araştırmanın önemli olacağı düşünülmektedir. Mevcut araştırmada duygusal yeme, yalnızlık ve olumsuz beden konuşmaları değişkenleri arasındaki ilişkinin incelenmesiyle alanda çalışan profesyonellere yol göstereceği düşünülmektedir.
... Further, high COVID-19-related stress likely exacerbates pre-existing EDs and puts individuals at higher risk for ED symptoms such as binge eating, restrictive dieting, and body image concerns (39)(40)(41). Pandemic-related contact restrictions increased feelings of loneliness (42), a feeling closely related to EDs (43)(44)(45). At the same time, family conflicts escalate more frequently during the pandemic (46). ...
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Background Disordered eating is highly prevalent among children and adolescents. Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, hospitalizations due to eating disorders have peaked and overweight has risen. The aim of this study was to determine differences in the prevalence of eating disorder symptoms among children and adolescents in Germany before and after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and to identify associated factors. Materials and methods Eating disorder symptoms and associated factors were examined in a sample of n = 1,001 participants of the nationwide population-based COPSY study in autumn 2021. Standardized and validated instruments were used to survey 11–17-year-olds along with a respective parent. To identify differences in prevalence rates, logistic regression was used to compare results with data from n = 997 participants of the prepandemic BELLA study. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to examine associations with relevant factors in the pandemic COPSY sample. Results Eating disorder symptoms were reported by 17.18% of females and 15.08% of males in the COPSY study. Prevalence rates were lower overall in the COPSY sample compared to before the pandemic. Male gender, anxiety, and depressive symptoms were associated with increased odds for eating disorder symptoms in the pandemic. Conclusion The pandemic underscores the importance of further research, but also prevention and intervention programs that address disordered eating in children and adolescents, with a focus on age - and gender-specific differences and developments. In addition, screening instruments for eating disorder symptoms in youths need to be adapted and validated.
Article
Loneliness is a complex and multifaceted experience resulting from a person’s subjective assessment of the gap between their desired and actual social connections. This study presents an analysis of prevalence rates and correlates of loneliness amongst Maltese individuals aged 11 years and older ( n = 658). Data collected in 2022 allowed for a follow up on a first ever study investigating loneliness in Malta in 2019 ( n = 1,009) and makes comparisons to understand how loneliness prevalence rates have changed over time and in view of the COVID-19 pandemic. Results show that in 2022, 54.6% of the sample reported some degree of loneliness. The sociodemographic characteristics that were significantly associated with the highest levels of loneliness were age (11–19 years and 55+), lower levels of education, being widowed, retired, low household income, decreased sense of neighborhood belonging, poor general health, poor coping abilities and not feeling positive about life. Compared to 2019, mean overall loneliness scores were significantly higher in 2022. The most marked increases were observed amongst the youngest groups (11–19 years and 20–34 years), those with the lowest and the highest educational levels, those with a weaker sense of neighborhood belonging and those with poorer coping abilities. The paper makes some recommendations for further research, policy and practice in view of the findings.
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This study examined whether preferences for companion robot profiles differed between those lonely elderly and those non-lonely elderly. The researchers obtained 120 samples of existing companion robots, ultimately analyzing 36 representative samples. Additionally, the study tested loneliness in 54 elderly people and collected data on the preferences of 54 groups of elderly individuals, each answering a questionnaire survey. To determine whether there were apparent differences in robot profile preference between lonely and non-lonely elderly individuals, the researchers utilized correspondence analysis. This allowed them to analyze the data represented by the four cluster groups (G) formed based on the relationship between two dimensions (2*2) on a coordinate axis –whether the individual lonely elderly and their preference for robot profiles. The results revealed that those without loneliness tended to prefer products with a strong sense of design focused on science and technology, as well as future fashion innovation. In contrast, solitary elderly individuals paid more attention to the dynamic, authentic experiences present in real life, such as anthropomorphic action robots, preferring those with naturally rich colors and pleasant, vibrant features. In terms of emotions, solitary elderly individuals’ preferences for robot profiles aligned more closely with reflective processing levels, while non-lonely individuals aligned more closely with intuitive processing levels. Ultimately, the findings suggest that lonely elderly may require more emotional pleasure with arousing stimuli from their robotic companions.
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Para frear o vírus da COVID-19, que afetou mais de 775 milhões de pessoas, medidas restritivas causaram isolamento. Em decorrência, a exclusão social e solidão, atrelada a inatividade física, podem afetar negativamente o aspecto biopsicossocial dos isolados. Evidências sugerem que a inatividade física está associada a desordens mentais e insatisfação corporal. O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar e identificar os níveis de atividade física, humor e a percepção da imagem corporal de universitários durante a pandemia. Participaram do estudo 293 universitários (21,55 ± 3,65 anos), sendo 162 mulheres e 131 homens. Os alunos responderam um formulário on-line com três instrumentos: International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), Escala de Humor de Brunel (BRUMS) e Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ). Os resultados indicam diferenças significativas (p<0,05) na Depressão entre grupos sedentário e ativo, e minimamente ativo e ativo. Similarmente, no Vigor, diferenças foram observadas entre grupos sedentário e ativo, sedentário e minimamente ativo, e minimamente ativo e ativo, e em Confusão, entre grupos minimamente ativo e ativo. No Distúrbio Total de Humor, diferenças ocorreram entre sedentário e ativo, e minimamente ativo e ativo (p<0,05). Sem diferenças significativas na percepção de imagem corporal entre grupos. Os achados indicam que a pandemia provocou alterações emocionais em todos os grupos, mas aqueles que se mantiveram ativos fisicamente, demonstraram menores índices de Depressão, Fadiga e Confusão, além de maior Vigor, comparado aos sedentários.
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Introduction Eating disorders (EDs) are among the most severe mental disorders in women and men, often associated with high symptom burden and significant limitations in daily functioning, frequent comorbidities, chronic course of illness, and even high mortality rates. At the same time, differences between men and women with EDs remain poorly explored. Methods In this study, we compared 104 men to 104 diagnosis-matched women with EDs regarding sociodemographic and clinical features. Using latent class mixture modelling, we identified four distinct patient subgroups based on their sociodemographic features. Results Men with EDs had significantly higher odds than women to belong to a “single-childfree-working” class. Moreover, while there were few overall differences in ED-related symptoms and general psychopathology between men and women, single-childfree-working men with EDs presented with higher general psychopathology symptoms than men in the other classes. Discussion We discuss how considering sex and gender along with further sociodemographic differences in EDs may help to improve ED diagnosis and treatment.
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სიმსუქნის გავრცელება ძირითადად გამოწვეულია კვებითი ადიქციით ანუ კვებითი დამოკიდებულებით. ემოციების რეგულირების სტრატეგიები მთავარ როლს ასრულებს კვებითი დამოკიდებულების გამომწვევი ფაქტორების შესწავლაში, ამ მხრივ განსაკუთრებით მნიშვნელოვანია ინტერპერსონალურ გამოცდილებასთან დაკავშირებული უარყოფით ემოციები (ე.ი. იმედგაცრუება, იმპულსურობა, მარტოობა და ა.შ.). კვებითი დამოკიდებულების მქონე პირებს აქვთ ტენდენცია, რომ ჩაახშონ და დათრგუნონ არასასურველი ემოციები, რაც თავის მხრივ იწვევს ფსიქოპათოლოგიური აზრებისა და სიმპტომების გამოვლენას. უნდა აღინიშნოს ისიც, რომ ექსპერიმენტული კვლევები ადგენს კაუზალურ კავშირს ნივთიერებისადმი დამოკიდებულების ფიზიოლოგიურ კრიტერიუმებთან, კერძოდ სოციალურ გაუფასურებასა და განმეორებით გამოყენებასთან უარყოფითი შედეგების მიუხედავად.
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Purpose Loneliness is widely prevalent in modern society. Despite the growth in studies, very limited studies so far have attempted to systematically review the literature. This study aims to consolidate the antecedents of loneliness by reviewing the literature. Design/methodology/approach The systematic literature review method is adopted to identify the antecedents. Full texts of each article were taken for analysis which was published from 2002 to 2022. Multiple databases were examined and total of 60 articles were included for systematic literature review. Findings The study presents the descriptive analysis of the articles. Also, the paper thematically presents the key antecedents of loneliness in three themes (a) Loss of love, (b) Individual cognitive and personal factors and (c) Childhood experiences and parenting practices. The study also highlights the moderating effect of demographic factors and lifestyle changes. Originality/value The current study is the first systematic literature review to present the antecedents of loneliness. The study contributes by offering an enhanced understanding of loneliness. Also, the study presents contemporary understanding of loneliness and proposes a conceptual framework. The findings are useful to academicians as well as policymakers.
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Everyone has a problem in this contemporary, progressive world. Many people get lost in a maze and miss the solution to their problems. Small things cause them stress or depression. Students typically cope well with their mood swings. Everyone wants something to comfort them at this crucial time. When people are not in a comfortable emotional state, they prefer to do many things like eating, playing video games, and watching movies. There is a strong link between emotions and food. We examine the comfort foods that students turn to in their various emotional states because these two things are connected. The first study is based on questionnaires and surveys of psychological nature. In this study, we use four data-driven machine learning models to predict students’ comfort food preferences based on their emotional state. The dataset was gathered from a source that is openly accessible. Mercyhurst University conducted a survey to gather the information. Over 60 questions and a total of 400 data points were asked of the 526 students who responded to the survey. In this study, we sought to identify the comfort foods that students enjoy eating in various mental states. We use four machine learning models including Linear Regression Model, Support Vector Machine, Random Forest and Naïve Bayes. We found there is a consensual relationship between food selection and emotional state. Moreover, Naïve Bayes works better having an accuracy of 96.66%, which is acceptable.KeywordsEmotionComfort foodMachine learningLinear regression
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Objective: The objective of this study was to test a conceptual model of loneliness in which social structural factors are posited to operate through proximal factors to influence perceptions of relationship quality and loneliness. Methods: We used a population-based sample of 225 White, Black, and Hispanic men and women aged 50 through 68 from the Chicago Health, Aging, and Social Relations Study to examine the extent to which associations between sociodemographic factors and loneliness were explained by socioeconomic status, physical health, social roles, stress exposure, and, ultimately, by network size and subjective relationship quality. Result: Education and income were negatively associated with loneliness and explained racial/ethnic differences in loneliness. Being married largely explained the association between income and loneliness, with positive marital relationships offering the greatest degree of protection against loneliness. Independent risk factors for loneliness included male gender, physical health symptoms, chronic work and/or social stress, small social network, lack of a spousal confidant, and poor-quality social relationships. Discussion: Longitudinal research is needed to evaluate the causal role of social structural and proximal factors in explaining changes in loneliness.
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A structural questionnaire was used to determine the opinions of psychiatrists and psychologists regarding various aspects of anorexia nervosa. The results of the survey indicate that both professional groups agreed as to the many signs of anorexia nervosa but differed as to the significance of physical overactivity, anxiety related to food intake, and presence of additional psychological illness. There were more similarities than differences regarding precipitating events and therapeutic treatment of anorexia nervosa.
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Four hundred fifty-five females from a community-bgased, randomly sampled population were interviewed by telephone to estimate the prevalence of binge eating and to describe demographic and topographical characteristics of binge eating behaviour. Binge eaters were classified according to the DSM-111-R criteria for bulimia, excluding purging behavior. The estimate for subjects meeting criteria was 1.8%, while the percentage of females who met all but frequency criteria was estimated at 3.8%. The majority of binge eaters in this study was found to engage in behaviors typically associated with binge eating episodes. On average, this group of binge eaters was older and heavier than has been reported previously, which supported observed associations between binge eating and overweight in clinical populations [Telch, Agras, & Rossiter (1988). International Journal of Eating Disorders, 7, 115-119]. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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Objective The purpose of this study was to assess the association between attachment style and weight concerns, a major risk factor for eating disorders, in preadolescent and adolescent girls. Method: Three hundred and five female elementary and middle school students completed measures of attachment style and weight concerns. Results: Insecurely attached subjects reported higher weight concerns than did securely attached subjects. A greater proportion of insecurely attached subjects obtained “at risk” weight concerns scores than securely attached subjects. Discussion: The findings suggest that attachment style may play an important role in the development of weight concerns, which, in turn, have been shown to be associated with the onset of eating disorders. © 1998 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 23: 39–44, 1998.
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Objective Previous research on the role of trauma in eating psychopathology has generally focused on reported childhood sexual abuse. There has been relatively little research addressing the full range of abusive experiences, and none considering their long-term impact on eating. This study investigated the relationships between four forms of reported childhood abuse (physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, neglect) and unhealthy eating attitudes in adult life. Within this relationship, depression, anxiety, and dissociation were considered potential mediators, and age of onset of abuse was considered a potential moderator.MethodA nonclinical sample of 236 women completed self-report measures of abuse, eating psychopathology, and psychological function. Multiple regression analyses were used to test for associations as well as for mediating and moderating influences.ResultsWhen the intercorrelations of the different forms of reported abuse were controlled for, emotional abuse was the only form of childhood trauma that predicted unhealthy adult eating attitudes. That relationship was perfectly mediated by the women's levels of anxiety and dissociation. Age at onset of emotional abuse did not moderate these relationships.DiscussionAlthough these results require extension to a clinical sample, the findings underscore the need to consider a history of emotional trauma as a potentially central factor in any abusive history. Treatment may depend on addressing the psychological consequences of such trauma. © 1999 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 25: 159–167, 1999.
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This study compares family features of 50 bulimic women with those of 40 non-eating-disordered women from the same defined catchment area. The parents of the patients were significantly older at the birth of the child and significantly more came from different ethnic backgrounds. Bulimics reported greater parental conflict despite similar divorce rates. The bulimics' reports of the emotion, attention, and interaction from their parents were significantly less positive than were those of the comparison group. We argue that these family features of disparate parental background and poor verbal communication between family members predispose the children to difficulties with the verbal expression of emotion and to bulimia as a nonverbal expression of distress and dysphoria. These findings are related, using systemic family theories, to the strikingly specific age range of onset of bulimia to propose a model of family contributions to the etiology of this condition. While these controlled self-report measures cannot prove or disprove such a hypothesis, they provide sufficient support to justify further testing of the model.
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The aim of this paper is to reflect on the way that we as clinicians may play an inadvertent role in perpetuating eating disordered behaviour. This is considered within the theoretical framework of Schmidt and Treasures' maintenance model of anorexia nervosa (AN). The model includes four main domains; interpersonal factors, pro-AN beliefs, emotional style and thinking style. Interpersonal reactions are of particular relevance as clinicians (as with family members) may react with high expressed emotion and unknowingly encourage eating disorder behaviours to continue. Hostility in the form of coercive refeeding in either a hospital or outpatient setting may strengthen conditioned food avoidance and pessimism may hamper motivation to change. Negative schema common to eating disorders, for example low self-esteem, perfectionism and striving for social value may augment existing or initiate new eating disorder behaviour. Services can become a reinforcing influence by providing an overly protective, palliating environment which ensures safety, security and acceptance whilst reducing loneliness and isolation. This stifles the need for an individual to develop their own sense of responsibility, autonomy and independence allowing avoidance to dominate. Furthermore, the highly structured environment of inpatient care supports the rigid attention to detail and inflexibility that is characteristic of people with eating disorders, and allows these negative behaviours to thrive. Careful planning of service provision, reflective practice, supervision and regular team feedback is essential to prevent iatrogenic harm.
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To assess whether weight-related teasing is associated with weight control behaviors, disordered eating thoughts and behaviors, and psychological comorbidities in overweight adolescents. A sample of 46 male and 84 female adolescents completed a survey assessing teasing frequency, sources of teasing (peers and family), weight control behaviors, disordered eating thoughts and behaviors, depression, anxiety, anger, and self-esteem. Frequent teasing by both family and peers was associated with greater disordered eating thoughts and behaviors, depression, anxiety, anger, and decreased self-esteem. The more that adolescents were bothered by peer and family teasing, the more often they reported a greater value on thinness, higher levels of anxiety, lower self-esteem, and their self-assessment was influenced by their weight and shape. Higher levels of teasing frequency and being bothered by teasing were related to greater odds of adolescents endorsing severe levels of binge eating behaviors and depressive symptomolgy. Overweight adolescents teased about their weight are at risk for disordered eating thoughts and behaviors and psychological morbidities. Health-care providers should involve parents and youth in discussing teasing concerns. Furthermore, parents, schools, and communities should consider enacting policies to decrease or prohibit teasing. Future research is needed to further explore relationships between teasing and psychological functioning.
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Although childhood obesity may have detrimental consequences for childhood self-esteem, the prevalence and magnitude of this problem is controversial. In addition, the social and emotional effects of decreased self-esteem in obese children are unknown. A total of 1520 children, 9 to 10 years of age, born to mothers in the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth were studied. Comprehensive demographic data including race and family income were available in 97% of the cohort. Self-esteem was measured using Self-Perception Profile for Children. The 4-year follow-up Self-Perception Profile for Children scores were available in 79% of the children. Obesity was defined as a body mass index greater than the 95th percentile for age and gender. Additional data include a self-administered questionnaire at 13 to 14 years of age concerning emotional well being, smoking, and alcohol consumption. Data were stratified by race and gender. The data were weighted to reflect a nationally representative sample of children born to mothers 17 to 28 years of age. Scholastic and global self-esteem scores were not significantly different among 9- to 10-year-old obese and nonobese children. However, over the 4-year period, obese Hispanic females and obese white females showed significantly decreased levels of global self-esteem compared with nonobese Hispanic females and nonobese white females, respectively. Mild decreases in self-esteem also were observed in obese boys compared with nonobese boys. As a result, by 13 to 14 years of age, significantly lower levels of self-esteem were observed in obese boys, obese Hispanic girls, and obese white girls compared with their nonobese counterparts. Decreasing levels of self-esteem in obese children were associated with significantly increased rates of sadness, loneliness, and nervousness compared with obese children whose self-esteem increased or remained unchanged. In addition, obese children with decreasing levels of self-esteem over the 4-year period were more likely to smoke and drink alcohol compared with obese children whose self-esteem increased or remained unchanged. Obese Hispanic and white females demonstrate significantly lower levels of self-esteem by early adolescence. In addition, obese children with decreasing levels of self-esteem demonstrate significantly higher rates of sadness, loneliness, and nervousness and are more likely to engage in high-risk behaviors such as smoking or consuming alcohol.
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Four studies examined the relation between trust and loneliness. Studies 1, 2, and 3 showed that trust beliefs negatively predicted changes in loneliness during early childhood (5-7 years), middle childhood (9-11 years), and young adulthood (18-21 years). Structural equation modeling yielded support for the hypothesis that the relation between trust beliefs and loneliness was mediated, in part, by social disengagement, which varied by age and gender. Study 4 showed that when young adults were primed for distrust rather than for trust cognitions, they showed greater withdrawal (loneliness) affect, lower willingness to disclose, and less perceived success in achieving rapport. The findings yielded support for the hypotheses that (a) low trust beliefs promote loneliness from childhood to adulthood and (b) social disengagement and cognitive schema mechanisms account for the relation.
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Four studies (N = 643) supported the hypothesis that social exclusion would reduce the global perception of life as meaningful. Social exclusion was manipulated experimentally by having a confederate refuse to meet participants after seeing their videotaped introduction (Study 1) and by ostracizing participants in a computerized ball-tossing game (Study 2). Compared to control condition and acceptance conditions, social exclusion led to perceiving life as less meaningful. Exclusion was also operationalized as self-reported loneliness, which was a better predictor of low meaning than other potent variables (Study 3). Study 4 found support for Baumeister's model of meaning (1991), by demonstrating that the effect of exclusion on meaning was mediated by purpose, value, and positive self-worth.
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This analysis of data from the Global School-based Student Health Survey examined the prevalence of bully victimization in middle-school students in 19 low- and middle-income countries and also explored the relationship between bullying, mental health and health behaviors. In most countries, boys were more likely than girls to report being bullied and the prevalence of bullying was lower with increasing age. Students who reported being bullied in the past month were more likely than non-bullied students to report feelings of sadness and hopelessness, loneliness, insomnia and suicidal ideation. Bullied students also reported higher rates of tobacco use, alcohol use, drug use and sexual intercourse.
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The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore chronic sorrow as a relapse trigger among female victims of child abuse seeking treatment for substance abuse relapse. A purposive convenience sample of 12 women was interviewed using qualitative description to provide insight into their perceptions of relapse triggers. In addition to chronic sorrow, three common themes were interwoven in the narrative stories of these women: mothering loss, blocking feelings, and relapse triggers. Feelings described as relapse triggers included loneliness, sadness, anger, and frustration. The information gleaned from these women can be incorporated into the treatment of women and children in an effort to better prepare them for these recurrent feelings and triggers that could result in substance abuse and relapse.
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Social species, from Drosophila melanogaster to Homo sapiens, fare poorly when isolated. Homo sapiens, an irrepressibly meaning-making species, are, in normal circumstances, dramatically affected by perceived social isolation. Research indicates that perceived social isolation (i.e. loneliness) is a risk factor for, and may contribute to, poorer overall cognitive performance, faster cognitive decline, poorer executive functioning, increased negativity and depressive cognition, heightened sensitivity to social threats, a confirmatory bias in social cognition that is self-protective and paradoxically self-defeating, heightened anthropomorphism and contagion that threatens social cohesion. These differences in attention and cognition impact on emotions, decisions, behaviors and interpersonal interactions that can contribute to the association between loneliness and cognitive decline and between loneliness and morbidity more generally.
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Childhood overweight is presented as a complex problem to solve. To elaborate efforts required in striving for normal weight in overweight children healthy signs of life from the child's point of view should be identified and promoted. The aim of the present study is to describe everyday experiences of life, body and well-being in children with overweight. A qualitative descriptive design based on lifeworld perspective was used in 16 open-ended interviews with overweight children aged 10-12 years. Child overweight was defined by body mass index (kg/m(2)) for each age. Drawings and body pictograms were used to supplement the interviews. Text was analysed using qualitative content analysis. The primary finding was the respondents' search for a sense of community in daily life. The respondents yearned to be part of a community but spent a lot of time alone. Parents and other family members were an important source of community but were not present enough in the respondents' daily life. The respondents had a sound body image, were concerned about their bodies and were aware of a healthy lifestyle. Nevertheless, they did not manage to implement this awareness in practice. Unhealthy sleeping, eating and exercise habits along with a sense of victimization were revealed in the interviews. Well-being meant self-esteem, trust and satisfaction and was preserved and improved through exciting relationships and activities. Feeling well was equal to feeling capable, feeling happy and feeling a sense of community. Findings emphasize the problem of loneliness in the children studied. Their healthy signs of life were not promoted in an acceptable way. They spent too much time alone doing sedentary activities with easy access to junk food. Findings indicate they should be provided with company at all meals and during activities on a daily basis.