Eating psychopathology in ballet dancers: a meta-analysis of observational studies

Objective To assess whether ballet dancers have higher eating psychopathology mean scores than the general population. Methods Meta-analysis of cross-sectional observational studies comparing the scores of one or more of the validated eating psychopathological scales between ballet dancers and any control groups. Results Twelve studies were included in the metanalysis. Ballet dancers had a significantly higher EAT score (12 studies retrieved, SMD 0.82 [95% CI 0.44–1.19], p < 0.00001, I2 = 84)]; subgroup analysis suggested a possible role of control subjects’ choice in explaining heterogeneity. Scores on the EDI subscales of Drive for Thinness, Bulimia, and Body dissatisfaction were available from four studies; Drive for Thinness was higher in ballet dancers (SMD 0.62 [0.01, 1.22]), as well as the Bulimia scale (SMD 0.38 [0.02, 0.73], p = 0.04) and the Body Dissatisfaction scale (SMD 0.34 [0.15, 0.53]). Data on Perfectionism, Interpersonal problems, Ineffectiveness, and Maturity fears, were available from three studies. Higher scores in Perfectionism (SMD 0.68 [0.24, 1.12] p = 0.02), Interpersonal problems (SMD 0.24 [0.02, 0.47], in Inefficacy, (SMD 2.18 [1.31, 3.06]) were found for ballet dancers; on the other hand, Maturity fears scores were not significantly different between ballet dancers and controls (IV-MD = 0.15 [− 0.07, 0.36]). Seven studies reported tests not performed elsewhere. Discussion Ballet dancers show a higher level of restriction and drive for thinness than controls, and they may be, therefore, at higher risk for the development of eating disorders. Available studies do not allow the discrimination of dysfunctional eating attitudes and behaviors from adaptive responses. Level of evidence Level I (evidence obtained from systematic reviews and meta-analyses).

The Influence of Maturity Fears and Appearance Interest on Self-concept among Lower-grade Elementary School Girls with Precocious Puberty

Purpose: This study explored the relationships of maturity fears and appearance interest(interest in appearance, interest in weight) with self-concept among girls with precocious puberty. Methods: The participants for this study were 120 elementary school students (8 to 10 years old) and their parents from two hospitals located in Chungcheong Province. Data were collected from January to February 2019 using self-reported questionnaires. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the independent t-test, the Mann-Whitney U test, one-way analysis of variance, Pearson correlation coefficients, and multiple regression analysis in SPSS for Windows version 23.0. Results: Statistically significant negative correlations were found between self-concept and maturity fears (r=-.34, <i>p</i><.001) and interest in weight (r=-.29, <i>p</i>=.001). Maturity fears were identified as a factor affecting the self-concept of girls with precocious puberty (β=-.34, <i>p</i><.001). This variable explained 11.5% of the variance in the self-concept of girls who experienced precocious puberty. Conclusion: This study confirmed that maturity fears had a major influence on self-concept in girls with precocious puberty. The results of this study can be used as basic data for the development of a psychosocial nursing intervention program for girls who experience precocious puberty.

“I don’t want to grow up, I’m a [Gen X, Y, Me] kid”

The current studies examined the hypothesis that maturity fears are increasing among undergraduate men and women from the United States over time. Study 1 used a time-lag method to assess generational effects of maturity fears among a large sample ( n = 3291) of undergraduate men and women assessed in 1982, 1992, 2002, and 2012. Results revealed that both men and women reported significantly higher rates of maturity fears across time. Study 2 replicated these findings, and used a more restricted time frame to more closely examine the rate of change. Undergraduate women ( n = 673) were assessed in 2001, 2003, 2009, and 2012. Maturity fears were again found to increase from 2001 to 2012. Recent cohorts of emerging adults seem more reluctant to mature than previous cohorts. Many contributing factors may be at play, including challenging economic times, social pressures to remain youthful, and/or internal fears of assuming increased responsibility.

Exploring Experience of Family Relations by Patients with Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa Using a Projective Family Test

Elements of family dynamics have been shown to be related to onset, course, as well as prognosis of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. The goal was to explore the experience of family relations in a group of patients with eating disorders using a projective family test. The Patient group (anorexia = 21, bulimia=16), as well as a healthy Control group, were given a projective family test, the Eating Disorder Inventory-2, as well as Karolinska Scales of Personality. The Patient group expressed more discord within the family picture than the Control group, such as cold and loveless relationships and not feeling validated. The group of patients reporting the most family discord did not show more eating disorder pathology or general psychopathology. They did, however, have higher scores on the Eating Disorder Inventory—2 subscale Maturity Fears, as well as higher values on the Karolinska Scales of Personality subscale Socialization. These results are interpreted within the background of methodological challenges in this area of research.