Mediating Role of Alexithymia in the Relationship of Eating Disorders With Body Image in Iranian College Students Using Structural Equation Modeling

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Various studies have emphasized the main role of alexithymia and poor in eating disorders. This study aims to investigate the mediating role of alexithymia in predicting eating disorders based on body image in Iranian college students. Methods: This is a descriptive-correlational study using structural equation modeling (SEM). Participants were 369 students of the Islamic Azad University of Qom Branch in 2020-2021, who were selected by a convenience sampling method. Data were collected using the eating attitude test, body image concern inventory, and Toronto alexithymia scale. Data were analyzed by path analysis. Results: The results showed that alexithymia increases the path between body image and eating disorders by 14% (β=0.140), indicating its minor mediating role in predicting eating disorders based on body image. Conclusion: Alexithymia has a minor mediating role in the relationship between eating disorders and body image in Iranian college students. For more understanding of the relationship between eating disorders and body image, it is recommended to assess the possible role of other biological and psychological factors.

Keywords

• feeding and eating disorders
• body image
• affective symptoms
• structural equation modeling