Body image and distrust of science as predictors of dieting and disordered eating

Research has linked the widespread prevalence of dieting, despite its high cost and limited effectiveness, to body image issues, which are exacerbated by the ubiquitous promotion of diet culture. This research explores connections between distrust of science, body image, and the propensity for dieting and disordered eating. Two hundred twenty-five participants from a public university (N = 225, Mage = 20.03, SD = 4.45), had their dieting and disordered eating behaviors assessed using the Weight Control Behavior Scale (French et al., 1995). Body image was measured using the Body Appreciation Scale (Tylka & Wood-Barcalow, 2015) and the Body Surveillance and Shame subscales of the Objectified Body Consciousness Scale for Youth (OBC-Youth) (Lindberg et al., (2006). Distrust of science was evaluated with an adapted version of the Credibility of Science Scale (Hartman et al., 2017). It was found that distrust of science significantly predicted disordered eating behaviors and negative body image perceptions were significantly associated with an increased likelihood of engaging in disordered eating behaviors. These findings support past research that suggests body image predicts dieting behaviors and further indicates that distrust of science is a significant predictor of disordered eating practices.