Some Personality Characteristics of Patients with Anorexia Nervosa

Abstract

Twenty-two female patients with anorexia nervosa were assessed by means of objective personality testing. The EPI, Leyton Obsessional Inventory, Cattell's 16 PF and Raven's Matrices were used for this purpose. The personality profile that emerged was of a highly neurotic and introverted person with moderately severe obsessional features and average intelligence.

Psychological Correlates of Anorexic and Bulimic Symptomatology

“…These symptoms, however, also tend to be related to issues of power and control, and therefore may be a characterological aspect of the anorexic (Roth & Golloway, 1984). Smart et al, (1976) found that anorexic patients reported more obsessional symptoms, traits, and related distress than normal subjects.…”

“…The imperfections of the bulimic (e.g., perceived size) (Ben-Tovim, Marilov, & Crisp, 1979;Crisp & Bhat, 1982;Smart, Beaumont, & George, 1976;Stonehill & Crisp, 1977).…”

“…Researchers have examined this relationship in terms of independence (Smart, et al, 1976), submissiveness (Pillay & Crisp, 1977;Strober, 1980), and ego-functioning (Becker, Bell, & Billington, 1987). For example, Smart et al, (1976) found that, among other personality traits, anorexic patients were more independent than controls, while Pillay and Crisp (1977) concluded that low dominance scores and high abasement needs suggested submissiveness.…”

“…For example, Smart et al, (1976) found that, among other personality traits, anorexic patients were more independent than controls, while Pillay and Crisp (1977) concluded that low dominance scores and high abasement needs suggested submissiveness. Becker et al, (1987) examined an index of object relations and found that bulimic women reported more fears of abandonment and less autonomy in relationships than normal women.…”

“…Research examining the underlying character of these disorders has been equivocal. Some researchers believe that the disorders are too heterogeneous to classify (Blitzer, Rollins, & Blackwell, 1961;Thoma, 1967), while others contend that the connection between eating pathology and personality has been overlooked (Aronson, Fredman, & Gabriel, 1990;Crisp, 1965;Smart et al, 1976;Strober, 1980). Also, anecdotal evidence (Boskind-Lodahl, 1976;Bruch, 1982;Selvini-Palazzoli, 1978) as well as clinical observations suggest that correlations between anorexia and bulimia and distinct personality styles exist.…”