Obsessive-Compulsive Traits and Body Image Dissatisfaction among Culinary Professionals: Exploring Their Relationship and Predictive Link

Abstract

Culinary professionals operate in a demanding, food saturated, and increasingly appearance-focused setting that can place them at a greater risk of developing body-related issues. Although there are well-documented cognitive and behavioural similarities in obsessive-compulsive phenomena and body image disturbance, this correlation has been studied less in occupational samples. In the present study, the relationship between obsessive-compulsive traits and body image dissatisfaction in culinary professionals investigated. A cross-sectional correlational design was used and the age range for culinary professionals included 18 to 45 years, and at least 1 year of experience working in a professional kitchen was required. The age range was culinary professionals aged 18-45 years, with a minimum of 1 year of professional kitchen experience. Each participant filled out a demographic sheet, the Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory and the Body Shape Questionnaire. The findings indicate that there is a small effect size, and that other factors play a larger role in overall body shape dissatisfaction, but that more O-C traits, like intrusive thoughts, checking, and adherence to rules, were reported as having a stronger association with body shape dissatisfaction among culinary professionals. Results are then considered in the light of the cognitive-behavioural theory of the body image disturbance and implications for the screening and intervention in the occupational therapy perspective of mental health in the hospitality industry are presented. The study found a significant positive correlation between obsessive-compulsive traits and body image dissatisfaction. Further, obsessive-compulsive traits significantly predict body image dissatisfaction.