Eating disorder psychopathology and negative affect in Iranian college students: a network analysis

Abstract

Plain English summary ED psychopathology is common among Iranian college students, and negative affect may be a potential vulnerability factor to ED psychopathology in this population. However, it is unclear how specifically negative affective states may relate to ED psychopathology among Iranian college students. Therefore, we examined a network of negative affect and ED symptoms among Iranian college students (n = 637; 60.3% women). We found that the negative affective states of hostility and shame may link negative affect and ED psychopathology among Iranian college students. Findings have important implications for understanding the link between negative and ED psychopathology in Iran, and have potential implications for ED prevention programs in Iran that should be examined in further research.

Keywords

• Eating disorder
• Negative affect
• Network analysis
• College students
• Iran