Assessing associations amongst body dissatisfaction, eating disorder symptoms and sociocultural influences in adolescents from rural Nicaragua.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

We conducted a cross-sectional study with adolescents in rural Nicaragua to assess the associations amongst body dissatisfaction, eating disorder symptoms and sociocultural influences (sociocultural pressures and media internalization), and assessed gender and ethnic group differences.

Methods

A total of 122 adolescents aged 11-18 years (77 girls; M_age = 13.8, SD = 1.55) from small rural communities completed validated, culturally adapted questionnaires measuring perceived sociocultural pressures, media internalization, body dissatisfaction and eating disorder symptoms.

Results

Stronger perceived sociocultural pressures and greater media internalization were associated with higher levels of body dissatisfaction and more eating disorder symptoms

SUBMITTER: Andres FE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12797590 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature