The Relationship Between Parental Bonding and Eating Disorders in Female High School Students: The Mediating Role of Perfectionism

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Ph.D. Candidate in Psychology, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran.

2 Professor, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran.

3 Ph.D. Candidate in Psychology, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, Shahid Madani University, Azarshahr, Iran.

4 M.A in clinical Psychology, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Education and Psychology, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran.

10.22075/jcp.2025.37347.3157

Abstract

Abstract:
Introduction: Eating disorders are among the most common psychological problems in adolescents, especially girls. Investigating the underlying and explanatory factors is of particular importance. The present study aimed to examine the relationship between parental bonding and eating disorders in female high school students, considering the mediating role of perfectionism.
Method: This research was descriptive-correlational in design. The statistical population included all female high school students (second level) in Babolsar during the 2023–2024 academic year. A sample of 215 students was selected using multistage cluster random sampling. The data collection tools were the Parental Bonding Instrument (Parker, 1979), the Frost Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (Frost, 1990), and the Eating Disorder Diagnostic Scale (Stice, 2000). The data were first analyzed in SPSS 24 for descriptive statistics and data preparation, and then structural equation modeling (SEM) was conducted using AMOS 24.
Results: Maternal bonding (β= –0.59) and paternal bonding (β= –0.22) had significant negative effects on maladaptive perfectionism. In turn, maladaptive perfectionism had a significant positive effect on eating disorders (β = 0.25). The direct effects of maternal (β= –0.13) and paternal bonding (β= –0.03) on eating disorders were not significant. However, the indirect effects of maternal (β= –0.15) and paternal bonding (β= –0.06) on eating disorders through maladaptive perfectionism were statistically significant.
Conclusion: Designing intervention programs and empowerment initiatives for parents and at-risk individuals is essential, as perfectionism can lead to eating disorders. These interventions can help reduce eating disorder-related problems and improve the mental health of students.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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History

  • Receive Date: 12 April 2025
  • Revise Date: 11 July 2025
  • Accept Date: 14 July 2025

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