Negative self-image and outcome in eating disorders: results at 3-year follow-up.
BACKGROUND
Negative self-image has been hypothesised to be of aetiological significance in eating disorders; however, its relationship to outcome remains unclear. The present study examined the relationship between self-image and follow-up status in a heterogeneous sample of eating disorder patients (N=246).


METHODS
Patients were assessed at intake and after 36 months. Self-image was measured using SASB, and a general outcome measure was calculated comprising eating disorder symptoms, occupational status, interpersonal relationships and general psychopathology.


RESULTS
SASB self-hate was the most important variable for predicting poor outcome, followed by occupational status, interpersonal relationships, eating disorder symptoms, SASB self-emancipation and general psychiatric symptoms. Together these variables predicted 23% of the variance in outcome.


CONCLUSIONS
High levels of self-hate may increase the risk of poor outcome in eating disorders by adversely affecting interpersonal relationships and making it difficult for patients to engage in treatment.
Björck
Caroline
C
Karolinska Institutet, Department of Clinical Neuroscience/Section for Psychiatry, Karolinska University Hospital-Huddinge, M57, S-141 86 Stockholm, Sweden. caroline.bjorck@ki.se
Clinton
David
D
Sohlberg
Staffan
S
Norring
Claes
C
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000856:Anorexia Nervosa / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D052018:Bulimia Nervosa / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D015897:Comorbidity; D004651:Employment; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006252:Hate; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D012307:Risk Factors; D012649:Self Concept; D013548:Sweden; D016896:Treatment Outcome