Psychological Correlates of Orthorexia Nervosa among Adolescents

Abstract

The present study aims to explore the relationship between Orthorexia Nervosa, Self-Esteem, and Cognitive Flexibility. Based on the premise that adolescents who indulge in obsessive “healthy eating” tend to develop superior self-esteem and stringency in getting things done in their own way. It is hypothesized that there is a direct relationship between Orthorexia Nervosa and Self- Esteem on one hand, and Orthorexia Nervosa and Cognitive Flexibility, on the other. The sample constitutes female adolescents belonging to the age group of 17-19 years. It is to be noted that higher scores on the ORTO-R scales are indicative of lower ON tendencies/symptoms. Results showed a significant positive correlation between scores on the ORTO-R scale and the Self-esteem scale, as well as on the ORTO-R scale and the Cognitive Flexibility Inventory. In addition, we found a negative correlation between scores on ORTO-R & Weight. Implications and findings are discussed.