Bulimics and restrained eaters: a personality comparison

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Clinical Psychology
• Eating Disorders

Background:

• Restrained eating and bulimia nervosa are complex eating disorders.
• Understanding the psychological underpinnings of these conditions is crucial for effective intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the psychological characteristics of restrained eaters and individuals with bulimia nervosa.
• To identify shared and distinct psychological features between these two groups.

Main Methods:

• 136 female undergraduates completed several psychological scales.
• Scales included measures for restraint, bulimia, narcissistic personality disorder, borderline personality disorder, body image, and self-concept.
• Stepwise regression analyses were employed to identify predictor variables.

Main Results:

• Both restrained eaters and individuals with bulimia nervosa reported body dissatisfaction and narcissistic qualities.
• Physical self-esteem and narcissism were significant predictors for both groups.
• Bulimia nervosa was associated with general maladjustment, while restrained eating was linked to moral self-esteem.

Conclusions:

• While sharing body dissatisfaction and narcissism, bulimia nervosa is distinguished by psychopathology.
• Restrained eaters exhibit a perception of moral virtue not seen in bulimic individuals.