The Role of Childhood Emotional Abuse in Disordered Eating

ABSTRACT This study explored the role of childhood emotional abuse (CEA) both as a predictor of disordered eating and as a moderator of the effects of childhood neglect (CN), physical abuse (CPA), and sexual abuse (CSA). Self-esteem, anxiety, and depression were included in the model as potential mediators. A nonclinical group of 1,283 undergraduate students completed measures assessing disordered eating behaviors, psychopathology, self-esteem, and abusive childhood experiences. Anxiety and self-esteem mediated the relationship between CN and eating pathology, while CPA and CSA were inconsistently related to disordered eating. Rather than exerting moderating effects, CEA had a direct unmediated effect on eating pathology. The close relationship between eating disorders and nonphysical forms of childhood abuse is discussed.