Symptoms of eating disorders, drive for muscularity and physical activity among Norwegian adolescents

Eur Eat Disord Rev. 2012 Jul;20(4):287-93. doi: 10.1002/erv.1156. Epub 2011 Sep 4.

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to examine symptoms of eating disorders (ED), drive for muscularity and physical activity in a Norwegian adolescent population.

Methods: A total of 722 adolescents aged 12-18 years (response rate: 83%) filled out a questionnaire containing the Drive for Muscularity Scale, Eating Disorders Inventory subscales Drive for Thinness (EDI-DT), Body Dissatisfaction (EDI-BD) and Bulimia (EDI-B), and questions about amount of and motives for physical activity.

Results: Eating Disorders Inventory subscale scores were higher, and Drive for Muscularity Scale Score (DMS) scores were lower among girls compared with boys. EDI and DMS were correlated with motives for, but not amount of, physical activity. EDI and DMS were associated in boys, not girls.

Discussion: The associations between EDI and DMS among boys call for a wider approach when examining ED among boys.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Body Image*
  • Child
  • Drive*
  • Feeding and Eating Disorders / psychology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Motor Activity*
  • Muscle, Skeletal
  • Norway
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Psychological Tests
  • Sex Factors
  • Surveys and Questionnaires