Factors associated with improvements in readiness for change: low vs. normal BMI eating disorders.
OBJECTIVE
To examine factors associated with improvements in readiness for change as a function of body mass index (BMI) in individuals assessed for eating disorders treatment.


METHODS
Participants (n = 128) completed the Readiness and Motivation Interview (RMI) and measures of psychiatric and eating disorder symptoms, quality of life, and self-esteem at baseline and at 5-month follow-up.


RESULTS
Participants whose readiness for change showed improvements in psychiatric symptom severity, global self-esteem, and in the importance of friendships as a determinant of self-esteem. Only those with a normal baseline BMI (20 kg/m(2) or greater) improved in eating disorder symptoms and quality of life, and reported increased importance of personal development and decreased importance of shape and weight as determinants of self-esteem.


CONCLUSIONS
Correlates of readiness differed between low and normal BMI participants, suggesting that weight status may be an important variable to consider in preparing highly ambivalent individuals for treatment.
Geller
Josie
J
Eating Disorders Program, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, Canada. jgeller@providencehealth.bc.ca
Cassin
Stephanie E
SE
Brown
Krista E
KE
Srikameswaran
Suja
S
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002170:Canada; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009042:Motivation; D011613:Psychotherapy