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Updated: Apr 12, 2026

A Computer-Based Platform for Aiding Clinicians in Eating Disorder Analysis and Diagnosis
Published on: May 10, 2022
The relation between eating disorder symptoms and impairment
Paul E Jenkins1, Renee D Rienecke, Colleen S Conley
1*School of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton; †School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK; ‡University of Michigan Comprehensive Eating Disorders Program, Department of Psychiatry, Ann Arbor, MI; §Department of Psychology, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL; ∥Institute of Digital Healthcare, Warwick Manufacturing Group, University of Warwick; and ¶Human Metabolism Research Unit, University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, UK.
Abstract:
Although a number of studies have looked at what factors might mediate the relationship between symptoms and quality of life (QoL) in a number of psychiatric disorders, little research has addressed this issue in eating disorders. In the current study, female undergraduates (N = 339) completed questionnaires assessing eating disorder symptoms, social support, coping, QoL, and psychosocial impairment. Perceived family support and levels of substance misuse as a way of coping were identified as mediators of the symptom-impairment relationship and, in addition, maladaptive coping also mediated the relationship with QoL. These results highlight the role of coping and social support in impairment resulting from eating disorder symptoms.
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