Self-esteem and body image as predictors of eating disorders in future Physical Education teachers
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v70.116714Keywords:
Body image, eating disorders, physical health, self-esteem, university studentsAbstract
Introduction and objective: eating disorders represent a concerning issue during the university stage, as they can compromise the physical and psychological well-being of students. Various factors may influence the emergence of these disorders, particularly those related to personal and social perceptions of one's own body. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine whether self-esteem and body image predict eating disorders in future physical education teachers in Peru.
Methodology: a quantitative study was conducted using a non-experimental, predictive, and cross-sectional design. The sample consisted of 209 university students who completed the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, the Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ-14), and the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26). All instruments used showed adequate psychometric properties.
Results: the multiple linear regression model was statistically significant (F = 30.677, p < 0.01), explaining 22.9% of the variance in eating disorders (R² = 0.229). Among the predictors analyzed, both self-esteem (β = -0.319, p < 0.01) and body image (β = -0.200, p < 0.05) had negative and significant effects on the criterion variable. Moreover, tolerance (0.531) and VIF (1.884) values indicated no multicollinearity issues, and the Durbin-Watson statistic (2.019) confirmed the independence of residuals.
Conclusions: self-esteem and body image predict eating disorders in future physical education teachers in Peru.
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