Trait and self-presentation dimensions of perfectionism among women with anorexia nervosa

• Main Author: Cockell, Sarah Jane
• Format: Others
• Language: English
• Published: 2009
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/2429/6429

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. === Arts, Faculty of === Psychology, Department of === Graduate