Orthorexic eating in women who are physically active in sport: A test of an objectification theory model. (December 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Osa, Maggie L.; Calogero, Rachel M.
• Is Part Of: Body image. Volume 35(2020)
• Page Start: 154
• Page End: 160
• Publication Date: 2020-12
• Subjects: Orthorexia -- Self-objectification -- Body shame -- Sports -- Women; Body image -- Periodicals; Body image -- Research -- Periodicals; Body Image -- Periodicals; 306.4613
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2020.08.012
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1740-1445

Abstract

Highlights: This study examined an objectification theory model of orthorexic eating in women physically active in sport. Phenomenological self-objectification was connected to orthorexic eating through body shame. Orthorexic eating may emerge as a way of restoring self-worth relevant to the athletic domain. Abstract: The present study tested an objectification model of orthorexic eating (i.e., pattern of disordered eating characterized by a preoccupation with food quality and purity, ritualistic styles of eating, avoidance of foods considered unhealthy, and compulsive evaluation of the source and nutritional content of foods) in women who are physically active in sport. A community sample of women physically active in sport ( N = 228) completed an online survey with measures of orthorexic eating, phenomenological and appearance-based self-objectification, phenomenological body shame, sport-based perfectionism, and athletic identity. Parallel mediation analysis (PROCESS; Model 4) demonstrated a significant indirect effect ( ab ) of phenomenological self-objectification on orthorexic eating through phenomenological body shame ( b = -0.10, 95 % percentile bootstrap confidence interval (PB CI): -0.15, −0.06), adjusting for three covariate measures. The direct effect (c′) of phenomenological self-objectification on orthorexic eating was not significant ( b = 0.02, 95 % PB CI: -0.07, 0.10). The findings support an objectification theory model of orthorexic eating in community women who participate in sport.