| Introduction. Despite recognition in the literature of eating disorder symptomatology as a multidetermined process, no study to date has investigated hope, coping, and spirituality as predictors of this multidimensional phenomenon. This gap in the literature suggested a need to hypothesize and test a causal psychological model of eating disorder symptomatology comprised of the above predictors and those of body shame, body mass index, and actual/ideal weight discrepancy. Procedure. A nonclinical sample of 641 university women participated in this study. The participants completed a questionnaire comprised of several self-report instruments. Path analysis (linear regression analyses) and model fit analyses were performed. Results. While the hypothesized path model, Model One, partially supported hypothesized direct effects of body shame and hope, and indirect effects of actual/ideal weight discrepancy and spirituality, its overall fit was deemed unacceptable. Per this fit evaluation, Model One was revised and retested as Model Two; this revised model adequately supported hypothesized direct effects of body shame and hope, and indirect effects of hope, actual/ideal weight discrepancy, and spirituality. However, the overall fit of Model Two was also deemed unacceptable, suggesting that this model requires further revision if it is to represent the "reality" of pathways to disordered eating. Implications. This study makes a contribution to the literature by testing a causal psychological model of eating disorder symptomatology and discovering linkages between hope, body shame, and spirituality. The study findings suggest directions for future theory, research, and practice. It is anticipated that feminist theorists, researchers, and practitioners will each learn from, draw on, and build on the present study findings to promote holistic health for future generations of young women. |
