Examining associations between symptoms of eating disorders and symptoms of anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and perceived family functioning in university students: A brief report.

OBJECTIVE

We examined the relationships between eating disorders symptoms (EDs), suicidal ideation, depressive and anxiety symptoms, and perceived family functioning in a sample of university students aged 18-25 years (N = 397).

METHOD

Assessment of symptoms was carried out with the Eating Disorder Diagnostic Scale, Beck Anxiety Inventory and Beck Depression Inventory, among others. We explored the associations between the domains using network analysis.

RESULTS

We found that physical anxiety symptoms, followed by cognitive and physical depressive symptoms showed the greatest centrality in the current network. Perceived family functioning was negatively related to eating disorder symptoms.

DISCUSSION

We provide evidence regarding the relevant role of anxiety and depression symptoms in the presentation of ED symptoms in university students. These findings provide new insights to improve preventive interventions to timely reduce symptoms and risk factors associated with EDs.

PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE

Using a network approach, we found specific associations between physical anxiety symptoms, cognitive and physical depressive symptoms, eating disorders symptoms, suicidal ideation and perceived family functioning in university students. These variables can be potential targets to develop evidence-based preventive strategies in this population. A better understanding of these complex associations and the role of family variables could enhance the effectiveness of interventions in both clinical and educational settings.