Personality characteristics of bulimic and non-eating-disordered female controls: A cognitive behavioral perspective

Abstract

Although studies have examined the personality characteristics of bulimic individuals, these studies have been few and characterized by methodological shortcomings. To address these difficulties, this study compared 20 bulimic women and 20 non‐eating‐disordered normal weight controls on a variety of standardized psychological questionnaires. A comprehensive cognitive behavioral model of bulimia (Mizes, 1985) was evaluated by this comparison. Results showed that bulimic individuals showed significantly more pathological personality characteristics than control subjects. In specific, bulimics showed evidence of significant anxiety, depression, restrictive eating standards, low self‐efficacy for dieting, distorted eating‐related attitudes (i.e., weight as basis of self‐esteem, striving for perfect self‐control), self‐control deficits, generalized irrational thinking styles (particularly helplessness and demand for approval), and body image distortion. A trend was found suggesting discomfort in social situations. Contrary to expectations, assertion deficits and concerns about sexual functioning were not found.

Assessment methods for eating disorders and body image disorders

“…The Mizes Anorectic Cognitions Scale (MAC [58]) was developed to evaluate the typical cognitions of eating disorders that precede the behavioral components of both AN and BN. It provides a continuous measure of the severity of cognitive distortions in a 5-point Likert scale.…”

Cognitive Theory in Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa: A Review

“…For example, the one measure that has been extensively researched, the Anorectic Cognitions Scale (e.g. Mizes, 1988), does not distinguish different content areas of concern, despite suggestions that it may be important to do so theoretically (Vitousek & Hollon, 1990). With respect to automatic thoughts, it might be useful, as two studies have attempted (M.J. Cooper & Fairburn, 1992a;D.A.…”

Cognitive processes in dieting disorders

“…The few studies that have investigated differences in cognitive functioning between clinical and nonclinical groups (Fransella & Crisp, 1979;Mottram, 1985;Phelen, 1987;Strauss & Ryan, 1988;Weinrich, Doherty, & Harris, 1985) offered tentative evidence that anorexia patients differ from normal controls in their use of weight concepts, attitude to sexuality, self-image, and complexity of thought structure. Mizes (1988) has also reported distorted eating-related attitudes, generalized thinking styles, and body image distortion in bulimics as compared to non-eating-disordered controls.…”