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A Computer-Based Platform for Aiding Clinicians in Eating Disorder Analysis and Diagnosis

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Self-presentational motives in eating disordered behavior: a known groups difference approach.

Diane E Mack¹, Heather A Strong, Kent C Kowalski

¹Department of PEKN, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, Canada L2S 3A1. dmack@brocku.ca

Eating Behaviors

|December 19, 2006

Summary

Self-presentation motivation differs significantly across eating disorder risk groups. Individuals not at-risk for disordered eating reported lower motivation than those in-treatment or at-risk.

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Area of Science:

Psychology
Clinical Psychology
Eating Disorder Research

Background:

Self-presentation motivation plays a role in various psychological conditions.
Understanding these motivations is crucial for developing targeted interventions for eating disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the role of self-presentation motivation in individuals with varying levels of disordered eating behavior.
To compare self-presentation motivation across three distinct groups: in-treatment for an eating disorder, at-risk for an eating disorder, and not-at-risk.

Main Methods:

A cohort of 131 female participants was recruited, categorized into three groups: in-treatment (n=39), at-risk (n=46), and not-at-risk (n=46) for eating disorders.
Participants completed validated measures assessing general and physique-specific self-presentation motivation.

Main Results:

Significant differences in self-presentation motivation were observed between the groups.
Individuals not at-risk reported lower self-presentation motivation compared to those in-treatment or at-risk.
Those at-risk showed lower global self-presentation motivation than those in-treatment, but similar physique-specific motivation.

Conclusions:

Self-presentation motives appear to be particularly significant for individuals experiencing or at risk of disordered eating.
These findings highlight the potential importance of addressing self-presentation in therapeutic approaches for eating disorders.