Age and attitudes in relation to eating in girls with eating disorders and healthy girls

Aim. The aim of the study was to compare of the D.M. Garner, M.P. Olmsted and J. Polivy Eating Disorders Inventory (EDI) results obtained by healthy lower secondary, secondary and college students versus the results obtained with their peers with eating disorders. Method. The examined group consisted of 379 girls attending Lublin lower secondary schools ( 123 persons), secondary schools (50 persons) and college students (206 persons) as well as 90 girls undergoing medical treatment due to eating disorders (30 lower secondary school students and 30 college students). All these persons were administered the D.M. Garner, M.P. Olmsted and J. Polivy Eating Disorders Inventory (EDI). Results. The tests conducted revealed significant statistical differences between the Eating Disorders Inventory (EDI) results obtained by secondary school students and college students with eating disorders and those obtained by their healthy peers as well as the lack of significant differences between healthy and ill lower secondary school students. Conclusions. 1. Age is a significant factor related to eating disorders. 2. As regards their attitude in relation to eating and their own body, healthy lower secondary school students are not much different from their peers diagnosed with eating disorders. 3. Incorrect attitudes in relation to eating and their own body in girls with eating disorders increase in a significant way at secondary school and at college periods.