Relationship between Body Image Dissatisfaction and Eating Patterns among Adolescents

Body image dissatisfaction refers to a negative evaluation of one’s own body and can significantly impact eating patterns, particularly among adolescents. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between body image dissatisfaction and various eating patterns, including emotional eating, restrained eating, and external eating. The variables were measured using the Body Esteem Scale for Adolescents and Adults (BESAA) and the Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire (DEBQ). The sample consisted of 200 participants, including 108 females and 92 males, aged 10 to 19 years. The main hypothesis tested was: There will be no significant relationship between body image dissatisfaction and eating patterns among adolescents. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to analyze the data. The results indicated a significant negative correlation between body image dissatisfaction and external eating, while emotional and restrained eating showed no significant relationships. The null hypothesis was thus partially rejected.