The confluence of perfectionism, body dissatisfaction, and low self-esteempredicts bulimic symptoms: Clinical implications

Citation
Am. Bardone et al., The confluence of perfectionism, body dissatisfaction, and low self-esteempredicts bulimic symptoms: Clinical implications, BEHAV THER, 31(2), 2000, pp. 265-280
Citations number
45
Categorie Soggetti
Psycology
Journal title
BEHAVIOR THERAPY
ISSN journal
00057894 → ACNP
Volume
31
Issue
2
Year of publication
2000
Pages
265 - 280
Database
ISI
SICI code
0005-7894(200021)31:2<265:TCOPBD>2.0.ZU;2-S
Abstract
We present a brief overview of empirically supported risk factors of bulimi c behavior. We then propose an empirically supported, interactive, three-fa ctor model of bulimic symptom occurrence from which we derive clinical impl ications for assessment, treatment, and prevention. Our research finds that perfectionism, body dissatisfaction, and self-esteem interact to predict b ulimic symptoms. In particular, women who consider themselves overweight an d who have elevated levels of perfectionism and lower levels of self-esteem show the greatest risk for bulimic symptoms. Thus, our model identifies th ree theoretically related targets for intervention: perfectionism, body dis satisfaction, and low self-esteem. Assessment of these factors is recommend ed. The extent to which cognitive-behavioral therapy for bulimia and interp ersonal therapy for bulimia address these factors is reviewed and evaluated , and theory-based recommendations are made for prevention efforts.