The relationship between self-discrepancies, eating disorder and depressive symptoms in women.
OBJECTIVE
This study examined the relationship between generic self-discrepancies, eating disorder symptoms and depressive symptoms.


METHODS
One hundred women volunteered to take part in the study. Each participant completed a self-discrepancy questionnaire and questionnaires related to eating disorder and depressive symptoms.


RESULTS
Eating disorder and depressive symptoms were correlated with a number of self-discrepancies. The relationship between eating disorder symptoms and actual: future discrepancies, but not that with actual: potential discrepancies, was explained by its link with appearance related stimuli. When the effects of depressive symptoms were controlled, only the relationship between actual: potential discrepancies and eating disorder symptom remained significant.


CONCLUSIONS
At least one generic self-discrepancy is related specifically to eating disorder rather than depressive symptoms. Implications of the findings for theory and clinical practice are briefly discussed.
Department of Psychology, Brookes University, UK.
Ann Marie
AM
Sawdon
Myra
M
Cooper
Rachel
R
Seabrook
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001828:Body Image; D003220:Conflict, Psychological; D003863:Depression / Q000523:psychology*; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D012649:Self Concept