| Summary: | The purpose of this study was twofold: first to examine trait and self-presentation
dimensions of perfectionism among women with anorexia nervosa compared to
psychiatric and normal control women; and second, to explore the relationship between
perfectionism dimensions and anorexic symptomatology. Twenty-one women meeting
operationalized DSM-IV criteria for anorexia nervosa were recruited for the study. They
were compared with 21 psychiatric and normal control women who were matched as
closely as possible to the anorexic group on age and education. Self-report and interview
measures of trait and self-presentation dimensions of perfectionism were administered
along with measures of anorexic symptomatology, depression, self-esteem, and
psychiatric disturbance. It was found that women with anorexia nervosa endorsed
significantly higher levels of trait and self-presentation dimensions of perfectionism,
compared to both control groups. Self-Oriented and Socially-Prescribed Perfectionism, as
well as the Nondisclosure of Imperfection, were significantly higher in women with
anorexia nervosa than women in the psychiatric and normal control groups, even after
controlling for depression, self-esteem, and severity of psychiatric disturbance. In
addition, different dimensions of perfectionism were associated with anorexic symptom
severity. The results suggest that various dimensions of trait and self-presentation
perfectionism may play an important role in anorexia nervosa. Theoretical and clinical
implications with regard to the role of these dimensions of perfectionism in the etiology
and treatment of anorexia nervosa are discussed.
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