Mediational analysis of bulimia and anorexia : an Ecuadorian regional study

Abstract

Eating disorders constitute complex clinical conditions with multiple interacting bio-psycho14 social factors. The raising worldwide prevalence's warn about the need of new studies for identifying the underlying mechanisms in highly vulnerable populations, such as young adulthood. This study aimed to analyze the relationships between the levels of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa with anxiety, depression, difficulties in emotional regulation, perfectionism, sex and geographical origin (residence: Cuenca, Quito and Guayaquil). A mediational model was adjusted through structural equation model, in order to know the direct and indirect effects between the variables of the study. Data recruited from N=918 Ecuadorian university students were analyzed, including men and women. The results indicated adequate goodness-of-fit for a multi-group model (χ2=6.33, p=0.097; RMSEA=0.06; CFI=0.997; TLI=0.945; SRMR=0.015), and global predictive capacity close to 30% (CD = 0.284). The invariance test assessing the equivalence of the structural coefficients according to the city of origin obtained significant results (χ2 =65.99, p<.001), suggesting that the underlying relationships pattern is different depending on the origin of the participants. These results could contribute for the development of prevention and intervention programs specifically focused on the needs of the individuals depending on their precedence.