Number of different purging behaviors used among women with eating disorders: psychological, behavioral, self-efficacy and quality of life outcomes Journal Article uri icon
Overview
abstract
  • The objective of this study was to examine differences between a number of different purging behaviors used and outcome measures among eating disorder patients. Among 211 females who received inpatient or partial hospitalization eating disorder treatment, analyses of covariance and cross-tabulations identified associations among a number of different purging behaviors (vomiting, laxative use, diuretic use) used and psychological, behavioral, self-efficacy and quality of life measures at follow-up. Most patients (80.1%) reported purging for weight control. Use of different purging behaviors was significantly associated at follow-up with lower self-esteem, greater depression, higher state and trait anxiety, higher BMI, poorer self-efficacy for normative eating and body image, compromised quality of life, greater dietary restraint, and eating, shape and weight concerns. Furthermore, a higher percentage of those who used purging behaviors met criteria for a subthreshold or threshold eating disorder at follow-up compared to their non-purging peers. Eating disorder patients who use different purging behaviors are more compromised at follow-up than patients who do not purge. Due to the severe medical complications associated with different purging behaviors, future research should address best practices for clinical intervention and prevention.

  • Link to Article
    publication date
  • 2011
  • published in
  • Eating disorders  Journal
  • Research
    keywords
  • Eating Disorders
  • Quality of Life
  • Questionnaires
  • Self Efficacy
  • Additional Document Info
    volume
  • 19
  • issue
  • 2