Disordered eating precursors in pre- and early adolescent girls and boys

First- and second-year findings from a study of the development of disordered eating in pre- and early adolescents are presented Fifth- and sixth-grade girls (n = 80) and boys (n = 85) were assessed on depression, body image, self-esteem, and eating behaviors and attitudes in Year I and again one year later. Weight, height, and pubertal development were also evaluated in Year I and Year 2. Gender differences existed on all measures in Year 2 and indicated consistently poorer scores for girls compared to boys. For girls, Year I Body Mass Index and pubertal development predicted Year 2 disordered eating. For boys, poor body image in Year I predicted Year 2 disordered eating. The importance of identifying early risk factors for eating disorders is discussed.