Purpose: The purpose of the study was to investigate the prevalence of abnormal eating attitudes and to identify
possible risk factors associated with these attitudes among Korean adolescent girls. Methods: A convenience
sample of 1,126 girls aged 15 to 19 years was recruited from thirteen high schools. A self-report survey was conducted
including Eating Attitude Test for diagnosing abnormal eating attitudes. Data were analyzed using descriptive
statistics and multiple logistic regression with PASW statistics 18.0. Results: Of the participants, 8.3% met
the criteria for abnormal eating attitudes. Misperception of body image, depression, and high or low economical
status were significantly associated with abnormal eating attitudes (OR=3.50, 95% CI=1.95~6.28; OR=5.47, 95%
CI=3.17~9.44; OR=2.26, 95% CI=1.14~4.47; OR=2.41, 95% CI=1.25~4.66). Conclusion: The current study identified
the family factors as well as internal ones related to abnormal eating attitudes of Korean adolescent girls. The
results indicate that the most effective prevention strategies for this population would be to correct their misperception
of body image and control depression. Results also suggest that further studies are necessary to develop
a predictive model that could explain the influence of family factors including parent-child interaction and family
function to abnormal eating attitudes.