Predicting pathological eating patterns based on the primary object-relations and ‎personality organization

Introduction: The present study was conducted to predict pathological eating patterns based on primary object relations and personality organization. Materials and Methods: The statistical population of this descriptive-correlational study consisted of Bachelor and Master undergraduate students of Payame Noor University and Islamic Azad University of Qom who were studying in the second semester of the academic year 2016-2017. So, 888 students were selected using multi-stage cluster random sampling method. To collect data, Object Relations Inventory, Kernberg’s Inventory of Personality Organization and Garner s Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) were used. Data analysis conducted through multiple regression analysis. Results: The primary object relations and personality organization explained 0.23 and 0.17 of the variance of the pathological eating patterns, respectively. The regression coefficient for the primary object relations in the dimensions of inadequacy and insecurity were β=0.29 and β=0.28 respectively. Regression coefficient for primary mental defenses, identity confusion and borderline personality disorder (BPD), with beta coefficients were 0.70, 0.16 and 0.18, respectively that they are predicted positively and suggest the pathological eating patterns at level of 0.01. Conclusion: It is concluded that primary object relations and personality organization can predict pathological eating patterns.