Eating disorder symptoms throughout adolescence: Identifying developmental trajectory classes
Year: 2018
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Introduction. Eating disorder (ED) symptomatology is highly prevalent in adolescence and is regarded an important precursor of clinical EDs. The present longitudinal study aims to (1) examine the development of ED symptomatology in adolescence, (2) identify latent trajectory classes, and (3) examine whether psychosocial development varies among these classes. Methods. The study comprised three annual waves, with a total of 528 high school students participating at Time 1 (50.6% female; Mage=15 years; range 11-19) by filling out self-report questionnaires. Latent growth curve modeling and latent class growth analysis (LCGA) were performed. Results. At the group level, stable trajectories of drive for thinness and body dissatisfaction were found, whereas bulimia and Body Mass Index significantly increased over time. Important gender differences were found, with girls experiencing higher ED symptomatology than boys. Subsequently, LCGA were conducted separately for girls and boys, pointing to more diverse trajectory classes in girls (4 classes) than in boys (2 classes). Finally, class membership was related to the development of identity confusion, internalizing symptoms, and effortful control. Conclusions. The present study underscores the importance of identifying vulnerable adolescents that experience greater ED symptomatology, as they seem to experience the worst psychosocial development.
Source: Lirias
Authors: Verschueren, Margaux, Claes, Laurence, Palmeroni, Nina, Luyckx, Koen
Institutions: KU Leuven, University of Antwerp, University of the Free State
Language: English
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7047033766