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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.
This study found that social support and coping mechanisms significantly impact the relationship between eating disorder symptoms and psychosocial impairment in female undergraduates. Maladaptive coping also affects quality of life (QoL).
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Psychiatry
- Eating Disorders
Background:
- Limited research exists on factors mediating the relationship between psychiatric symptoms and quality of life (QoL) in eating disorders.
- Understanding these mediators is crucial for developing targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mediating roles of social support and coping strategies in the relationship between eating disorder symptoms and psychosocial impairment.
- To examine how these factors influence the quality of life (QoL) in individuals with eating disorders.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 339 female undergraduates.
- Participants completed validated questionnaires assessing eating disorder symptoms, social support, coping styles, QoL, and psychosocial impairment.
Main Results:
- Perceived family support and substance misuse as a coping mechanism were identified as significant mediators between eating disorder symptoms and psychosocial impairment.
- Maladaptive coping strategies also mediated the relationship between eating disorder symptoms and overall quality of life (QoL).
Conclusions:
- Social support and coping strategies play a critical role in the psychosocial impairment experienced by individuals with eating disorders.
- Interventions targeting maladaptive coping and enhancing social support may improve outcomes and quality of life (QoL) for this population.
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