Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 7, 2026

A Computer-Based Platform for Aiding Clinicians in Eating Disorder Analysis and Diagnosis
Published on: May 10, 2022
Exploring the association between partner behaviors and eating disorder symptomology
Lisa Zak-Hunter1, Lee N Johnson1
1Department of Human Development and Family Science, University of Georgia.
Introduction:
Research suggests an association between partner support and eating disorder (ED) symptomology in coupled women. However, no research describes whether time is a factor when examining routine partner behaviors that contribute to ED symptom severity. This study examined the relationship between supportive and unsupportive partner behaviors and ED symptom severity over a 3-month time period.
Method:
Fifty-eight women with anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN) identified helpful and unhelpful partner behaviors and ranked relationship support and symptom severity for the past 3 months using an event history calendar. Regression analyses examined the relationship between symptom distress and partner-support variables over 3 months.
Results:
Higher levels of helpfulness and relationship quality positively predicted partner-support levels. Partner distancing was predictive of increases in symptom distress.
Discussion:
Emotional or physical distancing or neglect aggravates symptom severity, which highlights the importance of addressing couple relationships in treatment and research. (PsycINFO Database Record
Related Concept Videos
Anorexia Nervosa
Symptoms and Physical Effects
Individuals with anorexia nervosa commonly exhibit extreme...
Binge Eating Disorders
Bulimia Nervosa
Introduction to Psychological Disorders
Deviant Behavior
Deviance in behavior refers to actions or thought patterns that significantly diverge from societal norms or...
Personality Disorders: Paranoid and Schizoid
Paranoid Personality Disorder
Paranoid personality disorder is...
Personality Disorders: Dependent and Obsessive-Compulsive
Dependent Personality Disorder
Dependent personality disorder is characterized by an excessive reliance on others to manage various aspects of life. Individuals with this disorder often struggle...

