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Updated: Jul 14, 2026

A Computer-Based Platform for Aiding Clinicians in Eating Disorder Analysis and Diagnosis
Published on: May 10, 2022
Negative self-image and outcome in eating disorders: results at 3-year follow-up
Caroline Björck1, David Clinton, Staffan Sohlberg
1Karolinska Institutet, Department of Clinical Neuroscience/Section for Psychiatry, Karolinska University Hospital-Huddinge, M57, S-141 86 Stockholm, Sweden. caroline.bjorck@ki.se
Introduction:
Negative self-image has been hypothesised to be of aetiological significance in eating disorders; however, its relationship to outcome remains unclear. The present study examined the relationship between self-image and follow-up status in a heterogeneous sample of eating disorder patients (N=246).
Methods:
Patients were assessed at intake and after 36 months. Self-image was measured using SASB, and a general outcome measure was calculated comprising eating disorder symptoms, occupational status, interpersonal relationships and general psychopathology.
Results:
SASB self-hate was the most important variable for predicting poor outcome, followed by occupational status, interpersonal relationships, eating disorder symptoms, SASB self-emancipation and general psychiatric symptoms. Together these variables predicted 23% of the variance in outcome.
Discussion:
High levels of self-hate may increase the risk of poor outcome in eating disorders by adversely affecting interpersonal relationships and making it difficult for patients to engage in treatment.
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