Assessment of the relation between orthorexia nervosa and self-esteem in high school students
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Orthorexia Nervosa is a condition characterized by an obsession with healthy eating that can negatively impact an individual’s psychosocial functioning. The risk of developing orthorexia nervosa increases during adolescence due to environmental influences like social media and cultural norms. It is indicated that low self-esteem is linked to orthorexia nervosa, causing individuals to potentially use their fixation on healthy eating to seek social acceptance. This study aims to explore the connection between orthorexia nervosa and self-esteem among high school students. In this cross-sectional study, the Ortho Scale and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale were used to assess the relationship between Orthorexia Nervosa tendencies and high school students’ self-esteem. The sample was selected through stratified random sampling. Descriptive statistics, correlation analyses, and multiple linear regression analysis were applied to analyze the data. The effects of variables such as gender, age, body mass index, diet history, physical activity habits, and attitudes towards organic nutrition on Orthorexia Nervosa were assessed using multiple linear regression analysis. The study’s findings revealed a significant relationship between tendencies toward Orthorexia Nervosa and self-esteem. The overall Ortho Scale score was lower among overweight individuals, upper-class students, those dissatisfied with their weight, individuals who had previously dieted, regular exercisers, those who believed in the benefits of organic nutrition, and those with low self-esteem. A significantly small positive correlation was observed between the total score of the Ortho Scale and the total score of the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. This study showed a strong link between orthorexia nervosa tendencies and self-esteem among high school students. The results suggest that low self-esteem increases the risk of orthorexia nervosa. Additionally, factors such as dieting, dissatisfaction with weight, regular exercise, and beliefs in organic nutrition are associated with tendencies toward orthorexia nervosa. Orthorexia Nervosa, characterized by an excessive focus on healthy eating, spending too much time preparing meals, and impaired daily functioning due to this condition, can be seen as a behavior and personality-related disorder. The term Orthorexia Nervosa refers to this pathological state, which is more common in developed countries and among higher sociocultural groups. Studies indicate that low self-esteem is a common feature in eating disorders. Although orthorexia nervosa is not officially classified among recognized eating disorders, unlike Anorexia and Bulimia, it leads individuals to become overly obsessed with healthiness and feel guilty about it. Examining the link between self-esteem and adolescence can help increase awareness and enable earlier therapeutic intervention. Understanding the eating behaviors of this age group, as outlined by DSM-5, along with their connections to economic, socio-demographic factors, and health-related eating habits, can help us better understand the causes and impacts of eating habits.
Source: Journal of Eating Disorders
Authors: Rukiye Kural Atak, Huseyin Elbi, Fatih Ozcan
Institution: Manisa Celal Bayar University
Language: English
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,190
OpenAlex ID: W4415916742