Differences between women with anorexia nervosa and restrained eaters on shape and weight concerns, self-esteem, and depression.
OBJECTIVE
The current study examined the relation among shape and weight concerns, domain-specific self-esteem, dietary restraint, and depression.


METHODS
Women with anorexia nervosa (AN; n = 19), restrained eaters (n = 20), and unrestrained eaters (n = 21) completed measures of shape and weight concerns, depression, and self-esteem.


RESULTS
Women with AN had significantly higher shape and weight concerns and lower self-esteem than restrained eaters. However, once depression was controlled, these significant differences disappeared on all but the morality self-esteem subscale. Unrestrained eaters had significantly lower shape and weight concerns and higher self-esteem than restrained participants both before and after depression was controlled.


CONCLUSIONS
Shape and weight concerns and low self-esteem are associated with dietary restriction. However, results from the current study suggest these two variables may not be the primary driving forces behind extreme dietary restriction.
Wilksch
Simon
S
School of Psychology, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia. simon.wilksch@flinders.edu.au
Wade
Tracey D
TD
D000328:Adult; D000856:Anorexia Nervosa / Q000523:psychology*; D015992:Body Mass Index; D001835:Body Weight; D003863:Depression / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D012649:Self Concept; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires