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Published on: September 27, 2020
The relationship between two-dimensional self-esteem and problem solving style in an anorexic inpatient sample
Gillian Paterson1, Kevin Power, Alex Yellowlees
1Department of Psychology, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK. gillian.paterson@tpct.scot.nhs.uk
Summary
Self-esteem, specifically self-competence, mediates the link between problem-solving abilities and eating pathology in individuals with anorexia nervosa. Enhancing self-appraisal and self-efficacy may improve treatment outcomes for anorexia.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Eating Disorders Research
Background:
- Cognitive and behavioral factors influencing anorexia nervosa remain underexplored.
- High dropout rates in anorexia nervosa treatment highlight the need for understanding underlying determinants.
- Two-dimensional self-esteem (self-competence and self-liking) and social problem-solving are key areas for investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the roles of two-dimensional self-esteem and social problem-solving in anorexia nervosa.
- To test the hypothesis that self-esteem mediates the relationship between problem-solving and eating pathology.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 27 inpatient anorexic patients and 62 controls.
- Participants completed assessments of social problem-solving and two-dimensional self-esteem.
Main Results:
- Anorexic patients exhibited higher eating pathology, negative problem orientation, impulsivity, and avoidance, with lower positive problem orientation and self-esteem.
- In the clinical sample, disordered eating correlated with self-competence, negative problem orientation, and avoidance.
- Self-esteem controlled for the association between disordered eating and problem-solving in the clinical group; self-competence was the primary predictor of eating pathology.
Conclusions:
- Findings support self-esteem's mediating role in the relationship between disordered eating and problem-solving in anorexia nervosa.
- Self-competence is particularly relevant to the anorexic population.
- Treatment programs should focus on enhancing self-appraisal and self-efficacy.
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