Factors that predict persistence versus non-persistence of eating disorder Symptoms: A prospective study of high-risk young women. (September 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Stice, Eric; Bohon, Cara; Gau, Jeff M.; Rohde, Paul
• Is Part Of: Behaviour research and therapy. Volume 144(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-09
• Subjects: Maintenance factors -- Prospective -- Binge eating -- Compensatory behaviors -- Eating disorder symptoms; Cognitive therapy -- Periodicals; Psychotherapy -- Periodicals; 616.891
• DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2021.103932
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0005-7967

Abstract

Abstract: Investigate baseline factors that prospectively predict persistence versus non-persistence of behavioral and cognitive eating disorder symptoms because knowledge of maintenance factors, which is limited, could inform the design of more effective eating disorder treatments. Data from 4 prevention trials that targeted young women with body image concerns ( N = 1952; M age 19.7, SD 5.7) and collected interview-assessed data on behavioral and cognitive symptoms over 1-year follow-up were combined to address this aim. Greater binge eating severity predicted binge eating persistence. Greater dieting, binge eating frequency and severity, weight/shape overvaluation, and feeling fat predicted compensatory behavior persistence. Lower BMI predicted low BMI persistence. Greater thin-ideal internalization, body dissatisfaction, dieting, negative affect, binge eating frequency, binge eating severity, compensatory behaviors, weight/shape overvaluation, fear of fatness or weight gain, and feeling fat predicted weight/shape overvaluation persistence. Greater thin-ideal internalization, dieting, compensatory behaviors, weight/shape overvaluation, fear of fatness or weight gain, and feeling fat predicted persistence of fear of fatness or weight gain. Results provide support for intervention targets of several extant eating disorder treatments and identified novel maintenance factors not commonly targeted in treatments (e.g., negative affect). Results also imply that certain features of eating disorders predict symptom persistence. Highlights: Investigated factors that predict persistence of eating disorder symptoms. A unique set of factors predicted each of the five core symptoms. Results provide support for several existing treatment targets. Also identified novel maintenance factors that could augment treatments. Identified eating disorder features most predictive of disorder maintenance.