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The Roles of Anxiety and Self-Esteem in the Risk of Eating Disorders and Compulsive Buying Behavior

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  • Concetta De Pasquale

    (Section Philosophy and Social Sciences, Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy)

  • Martina Morando

    (Section Psychology, Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy)

  • Silvia Platania

    (Section Psychology, Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy)

  • Federica Sciacca

    (Section Psychology, Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy)

  • Zira Hichy

    (Section Psychology, Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy)

  • Santo Di Nuovo

    (Section Psychology, Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy)

  • Maria Catena Quattropani

    (Section Psychology, Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy)

Abstract

In contemporary society, following the sudden changes that occur, different forms of addiction are becoming popular. Of note are the new addictions and concepts of poly-dependencies that involve common behaviors and trap people who suffering from them in a vicious circle. The main goal of this study is to investigate the possible mediating role that self-esteem had between trait anxiety and two specific new addictions: compulsive buying behavior and eating disorders. Furthermore, it was verified through a multigroup analysis that trait anxiety had a greater effect on eating disorders in a group of compulsive consumers. Three-hundred and fifty-two participants (67.9% women) were enrolled to participate in this study. The results showed that there was a direct effect of trait anxiety on eating disorders and on compulsive buying behavior; self-esteem mediated the effect of trait anxiety on eating disorders and compulsive buying behavior with specific differences; multi-group analysis showed differences in anxiety’s effect on eating disorders between compulsive and non-compulsive consumers; the group of compulsive consumers revealed a significant and stronger effect of trait anxiety on eating disorders in all domains identified. Further research is recommended to better understand the predictors of these disorders and to contribute to a more effective preventive intervention.

Suggested Citation

  • Concetta De Pasquale & Martina Morando & Silvia Platania & Federica Sciacca & Zira Hichy & Santo Di Nuovo & Maria Catena Quattropani, 2022. "The Roles of Anxiety and Self-Esteem in the Risk of Eating Disorders and Compulsive Buying Behavior," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(23), pages 1-16, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:23:p:16245-:d:993399
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    References listed on IDEAS

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