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Perfectionism and drive for thinness have both been described as predictors of eating disorders, but the relationship between these two constructs over time requires further investigation, as does the an understanding of what components of perfectionism are important in this relationship. Using a longitudinal design, a population of 175 young adults was followed up over a 4 month period. Structural equation modelling indicated a unidirectional relationship between evaluative concerns and drive for thinness, with evaluative concerns, measured at Time 1 predicting an increase in drive for thinness at Time 2. This finding has potential implications for understanding psychological symptoms that precede eating disorder symptoms, and may help build models about prevention and treatment. As a first study to prospectively examine this relationship, further research is needed to assess the generalisability of the findings, and to explore additional variables that may mediate the relationship between evaluative concerns and drive for thinness.

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