The Relationship of Pubertal Status to Body Image, Social Physique Anxiety, Preoccupation with Weight and Nutritional Status in Young Females

The relationship of puberty to body image, social physique anxiety, preoccupation with weight and nutritional status was examined in 77 non-obese females (7–16 years). Results showed that 34% of the prepubescent girls, 36% of the early pubescent girls and 76% of the post-pubescent girls were dissatisfied with their body shape. Social physique anxiety, determined by the SPAS scale, and preoccupation with weight, measured by the Eating Disorder Inventory were observed in all pubertal groups but were more evident in the early and post-pubescent groups. No significant difference existed among the maturation groups in mean caloric and nutrient intake. The results showed that antecedents for developing an eating disorder existed in all maturational groups studied, although no health risk behaviours regarding nutritional status were observed.