SELF – ESTEEM AND PERFECTIONISM AS PREDICTORS OF EATING DISORDERS AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.46754/umtjur.v2i4.185Keywords:
Self – esteem, perfectionism, eating disorders, university studentsAbstract
This study examined the predictive effect of self – esteem and perfectionism on eating disorders among university students. A total of 327 respondents (15.4% male and 84.6% female) participated in this research, recruited using simple random sampling method. Self – esteem was measured using Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, perfectionism was measured using Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale and eating disorder was measured using Eating Attitudes Test. There was a significant gender difference in eating disorders, t(376) = -2.909, p <.01, where female students are reported to have significantly higher eating disorder (M = 15.32, SD = 9.78) than male students (M = 11.431 , SD = 6.52). Confirming previous Western studies, regression analysis showed that both self – esteem and perfectionism predict eating disorder, in that, lower self-esteem and higher perfectionism increased the risk of eating disorders among university students. Preventive actions should focus on self-esteem and perfectionism as protective factors for eating disorders among people in this particular group.
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