An investigation into the relationship between eating disorders, locus of control, and death anxiety.

Abstract

The present study was designed to investigate the relationship between eating disorders, locus of control orientation and death anxiety. The subjects consisted of three groups of females ranging in age from 15-25. These groups were 1) EDO (eating disorder), 2) HSS (high school students), and 3) GS (college students). All subjects received questionnaire packets including the Reid-\vare Three Factor Locus of Control scale and the Templer Death Anxiety Scale. The EDO and HSS groups also received the 4-item Weight Locus of Control (WLOC) scale. The results indicate that the tlLOC scores of the EDO group did not differ significantly from those of the HSS group. Likewise, no significant difference was found between the EDO group and either the HSS group or the CS group on the measure of Death Anxiety. Concerning the Reid-Ware Locus of Control scores, no significant differences existed between the three groups with regard to either the Self Control or the Fatalism dimension. However, the EDO group was found to significantly perceive themselves as being more controlled by social systems (i.e., had higher Social Systems Control scores) than did either the HSS or the CS group. It thus appears that society's emphasis on beauty and thinness is being taken very seriously; even to the point of starvation or death.