Self-Perceived Social Skills Deficits and Negative Life Events Interact to Predict the Onset of Bulimia Nervosa and Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified

• Other Authors: Gordon, Kathryn H. (authoraut)
• Format: Others
• Language: English; English
• Published: Florida State University
• Subjects: Psychology
• Online Access: http://purl.flvc.org/fsu/fd/FSU_migr_etd-4127

Previous research has established a link between social skill impairment and eating disorders. The current study sought to test the hypothesis that an interaction between self-perceived social skills deficits and negative life events would predict the onset of bulimia nervosa or an eating disorder not otherwise specified. This hypothesis was tested in a large community-based sample of 904 adolescent girls who were assessed for baseline psychopathology and perceived social skills deficits. One year later, 810 participants returned for a second assessment, which included information about psychopathology and negative life events occurrence during the year-long interval. The results were consistent with the hypothesis, such that perceived social skills deficits interacted with negative life events to predict the onset of bulimia nervosa or an eating disorder not otherwise specified. Theoretical and clinical implications are discussed. === A Thesis submitted to the Department of Psychology in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science. === Summer Semester, 2004. === June 9, 2004. === Social Skills, Eating Disorders, Bulimia Nervosa === Includes bibliographical references. === Thomas Joiner, Professor Directing Thesis; Bryan Loney, Committee Member; Colleen Kelley, Committee Member.