Eating Disorders Among Primary School Students: Pressure at School, Detection and Implications for School Adjustment

Abstract

Although eating disorders have always been present in our society, they have started to appear at increasingly younger ages. At the school stage, between 6 and 12 years, there are factors that increase vulnerability to this disorder, as well as an increase in early cases. Investigating this new prevalence is crucial, as suffering from an ED in primary school can negatively affect students’ personal and school adjustment. Students who suffer from a poor relationship with their body image may experience low self-esteem, anxiety, and concentration difficulties, which have a negative impact on their academic performance. To address this problem, a study was conducted with 530 primary school students aged 9 to 12 years. The Silhouette Test and a questionnaire created and validated ad hoc on body pressures, relationship with body image and food intake were applied. The results show gender differences, with girls being more dissatisfied with their bodies and more likely to have a higher risk of ED, as well as a relationship between the increased risk of ED and the school year. These data are discussed in relation to the derived risk of ED for academic performance and school adjustment and engagement.