Relational Aggression and Disordered Eating

Abstract

Previous studies have investigated the link between aggression and disordered eating behavior. This study investigated the behavioral and psychological links between disordered eating and relational aggression in a female college-age population. I used logistic regression and multiple linear regression were used to investigate behavioral and psychological links. Relational aggression did not predict disordered eating behavior but did predict affective problems and interpersonal problems. Depressive symptoms predicted disordered eating behavior, engagement in relational aggression, and negative psychological traits. Prosocial behavior proved to be a buffer against disordered eating behavior, negative psychological traits, and depressive symptoms. Previous studies finding links between relational aggression and disordered eating may have not considered the influence of depressive symptoms on disordered eating.