The authors assessed the influences of several risk factors-self-esteem, history of unwanted sexual contact (USC), depression, and sorority membership-on eating-related and weight-related attitudes and behaviors. Findings provide support for the roles of self-esteem, depression, and USC on restricting attitudes. According to the authors' model, these independent variables predicted restricting attitudes that then predicted restricting behaviors. Implications for preventive interventions and the study's limitations are discussed.

Weight concerns and weight control behaviors were evaluated among sixty 8-10 year-old African American girls and their parents/caregivers. Girls completed the McKnight Risk Factor Survey and parents completed a modified version regarding perceptions of their daughters' concerns and behaviors. Significant correlations between girls' and parents' were seen for Overconcern with Weight and Shape (r = .56) and Weight Control Behaviors (r = .33). Parents' correctly identified 72% of girls' responses for Overconcern with Weight and Shape, 60% for Binge, 85% for Purging and 58% for Weight Control Behaviors scales using clinical cutoffs. However, more stringent agreement coefficients indicated generally poor concordance between girls and parents. The modified McKnight may be useful for assessing awareness of these issues.