Objectified Body Consciousness, Perceived Body Image as Predictors of Disordered Eating Patterns in Medical Students

Abstract

Objectives: This empirical study purports to examine the relationship between objectified body consciousness, perceived body image, and disordered eating patterns in medical students.

Design: Correlational/ cross-sectional research design.

Place and Duration of Study: Lahore, from October, 2016 to February, 2017.

Participants & Method: A sample of (N=300) male and female students from different medical colleges and universities of Lahore. The objectified Body Consciousness scale was used to assess body consciousness; Eating Attitude Test for measuring disordered eating patterns, The Body Shape Questionnaire was utilized in order to measure the perceived body image, in addition to an indigenously designed demographic information form.

Result and Conclusion: Results indicated that objectified body consciousness and perceived body image are significantly and positively correlated with disordered eating patterns in medical students. While, there were no gender differences, reported for the studied variables. It is concluded that objectified body consciousness and perceived body image are likely to play a significant role in the development of disordered eating patterns in medical students. Keywords: Objectified Body Consciousness; Perceived Body Image; Disordered Eating Patterns, Medical student