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Perfectionism as a mediator between perceived criticism and eating disorders
S Sassaroli1, M Apparigliato, S Bertelli
1Studi Cognitivi, Post-graduate Cognitive Psychotherapy School, Foro Buonaparte 57, 20121, Milano, Italy. grupporicerca@studicognitivi.net
Eating and Weight Disorders : EWD
|July 6, 2011
Summary
Perfectionism acts as a mediator in the link between perceived criticism and the drive for thinness in individuals with eating disorders (ED). This suggests perceived criticism initiates a process where perfectionism plays a key intervening role.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Eating Disorder Research
Background:
- Perfectionism is increasingly recognized as a significant factor in mental health.
- The relationship between perceived criticism and eating disorders (ED) requires further elucidation.
- Understanding mediating psychological processes is crucial for effective ED interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential mediating role of perfectionism in the psychological pathway from perceived criticism to eating disorders (ED).
- To examine whether perfectionism acts as a third variable linking perceived criticism and specific ED symptomatology.
Main Methods:
- A comparative study involving 49 individuals with ED and 49 controls.
- Utilized the Concern over Mistakes subscale of the Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale, Perceived Criticism Inventory, and Eating Disorders Inventory subscales (Drive for Thinness, Bulimia, Body Dissatisfaction).
- Employed mediational and moderational statistical models to analyze the data.
Main Results:
- Perfectionism was found to significantly mediate the relationship between perceived criticism and drive for thinness.
- Findings regarding bulimia and body dissatisfaction were inconclusive.
- Moderational models did not yield significant results, suggesting a lack of moderating effects.
Conclusions:
- Perceived criticism appears to be an initiating factor in a psychological process leading to restrictive dieting.
- Perfectionism functions as a crucial intervening mediator in this process.
- These findings highlight the importance of addressing perfectionism in therapeutic approaches for EDs.
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