State self-esteem ratings in women with bulimia nervosa and bulimia nervosa in remission.
OBJECTIVE
Bulimia nervosa (BN) is associated with low self-esteem. This study was designed to assess whether low self-esteem persists in nondepressed individuals who have recovered from BN (BN-R).


METHODS
Study groups included BN (n = 22), BN-R (n = 20), and healthy controls (n = 42). Participants were medication-free, and none met criteria for current major depression. Assessment instruments included the State Self-Esteem Scale (SSES), a self-rating scale designed to measure state-related changes in self-esteem.


RESULTS
Consistent with previous reports, SSES scores for BN were lower than for controls (p < .001). For BN-R, SSES scores were higher than for BN (p < .001), but lower than for controls (p < .025). For BN-R, scores on the SSES Appearance subscale were inversely correlated with ratings of dietary restraint (p < .005).


CONCLUSIONS
This study provides new evidence for persistent low self-esteem following recovery from BN. Follow-up studies are needed to assess whether low self-esteem contributes to recurrent dieting and risk for relapse.
Daley
Karen A
KA
Department of Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing, William F. Connell School of Nursing, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts 02467, USA.
Jimerson
David C
DC
Heatherton
Todd F
TF
Metzger
Eran D
ED
Wolfe
Barbara E
BE
D000328:Adult; D002032:Bulimia / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D012649:Self Concept