Perfectionism, weight and shape concerns, and low self-esteem: Testing a model to predict bulimic symptoms. (December 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: La Mela, Carmelo; Maglietta, Marzio; Caini, Saverio; Casu, Giuliano P.; Lucarelli, Stefano; Mori, Sara; Ruggiero, Giovanni Maria
• Is Part Of: Eating behaviors. Volume 19(2015:Dec.)
• Page Start: 155
• Page End: 158
• Publication Date: 2015-12
• Subjects: Bulimic symptoms -- Eating disorders -- Perfectionism -- Body dissatisfaction -- Self-esteem; Eating disorders -- Periodicals; Compulsive eating -- Periodicals; Obesity -- Periodicals; 616.8526
• DOI: 10.1016/j.eatbeh.2015.09.002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1471-0153

Abstract

Abstract: Previous studies have tested multivariate models of bulimia pathology development, documenting that a confluence of perfectionism, body dissatisfaction, and low self-esteem is predictive of disordered eating. However, attempts to replicate these results have yielded controversial findings. The objective of the present study was to test an interactive model of perfectionism, weight and shape concerns, and self-esteem in a sample of patients affected by Eating Disorder (ED). One-hundred-sixty-seven ED patients received the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I (SCID-I), and they completed the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q), the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), and the Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (MPS-F). Several mediation analysis models were fit to test whether causal effects of concern over weight and shape on the frequency of bulimic episodes were mediated by perfectionism and moderated by low levels of self-esteem. Contrary to our hypotheses, we found no evidence that the causal relationship investigated was mediated by any of the dimensions of perfectionism. As a secondary finding, the dimensions of perfectionism, perceived criticism and parental expectations, were significantly correlated with the presence of bulimic symptoms. The validity of the interactive model remains controversial, and may be limited by an inadequate conceptualization of the perfectionism construct. Highlights: We tested a three-factor model in predicting binge episodes on a sample of ED We applied a mediation analysis No mediating effect of perfectionism between body dissatisfaction and symptoms No moderating role of low self-esteem on the mediating effect of perfectionism Perceived criticism and parental expectations resulted related to bulimic behaviors