The interaction between the superhero ideal and maladaptive perfectionism as predictors of unhealthy eating attitudes and body esteem

Unhealthy eating attitudes and poor body esteem often lead to adverse outcomes (e.g., eating disorders). Prior research has identified two risk factors for these outcomes – endorsement of the superhero ideal and maladaptive perfectionism – and has suggested that these factors may interact to predict unhealthy eating attitudes and body esteem. The current study examined the interaction between the superhero ideal and maladaptive perfectionism as predictors of unhealthy eating attitudes and body esteem among 161 12- to 14-year-olds (74 males, 87 females). Maladaptive perfectionism moderated the relation between endorsement of the superhero ideal and unhealthy eating attitudes for girls only, such that endorsement of the superhero ideal was significantly associated with unhealthy eating attitudes only for adolescents with high levels of maladaptive perfectionism. The moderation model was not significant for body esteem. Prevention strategies should focus on reducing endorsement of the superhero ideal when there are high levels of maladaptive perfectionism.

Research highlights▶ Study examined interaction between superhero ideal and maladaptive perfectionism. ▶ Outcomes were unhealthy eating attitudes and body esteem. ▶ Maladaptive perfectionism moderated the relation for unhealthy eating attitudes for girls. ▶ The moderation model was not significant for body esteem. ▶ Superhero ideal predicted unhealthy eating attitudes for boys.