A mediated moderation model of bulimic symptoms among college women
Abstract
[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT REQUEST OF AUTHOR.] This longitudinal study investigates under what conditions overvaluation of weight/shape is related to bulimic symptoms. In this study we examine whether internal attribution for negative appearance-related events moderates the relation between over-valuation of weight/shape and bulimic symptoms. Next, we examine whether this interaction is mediated by self-competence. Self-report questionnaires of overvaluation of weight/shape, internal attribution, self-competence, and bulimic symptoms were administered to 406 female undergraduates, with overvaluation of weight/shape being reported at Time 1, self-competence and bulimic symptoms being reported at Time 2, and internal attribution for negative appearance-related events data collected across the 11 intervening weeks between Time 1 and Time 2. Regression analyses revealed a significant, two-way interaction whereby high overvaluation of weight/shape was associated with the presence of binges (but not inappropriate compensatory behaviors or bulimic symptoms in general). In addition, a significant two-way interaction was found between overvaluation and internal attribution to predict self-competence. However, the full mediated moderation model was not significant. The findings highlight the importance of overvaluation of weight/shape in relation to bingeing (particularly for those high in internal attribution) and feeling efficacious (regardless of attribution level).
Degree
M.A.
Thesis Department
Rights
Access is limited to the campuses of the University of Missouri.