title: The enemy within: the association between self-image and eating disorder symptoms in healthy, non help-seeking and clinical young women.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Previous research has shown self-image according to the interpersonal Structural Analysis of Social Behavior model, to relate to and predict eating disorder symptoms and outcomes.
  
  
  METHODS
  We examined associations between self-reported self-image and ED symptoms in three groups of 16-25 year old females: healthy (N = 388), non help-seeking (N = 227) and clinical (N = 6384). Analyses were divided into age groups of 16-18 and 19-25 years, and the patient sample was divided into diagnostic groups.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Stepwise regressions with self-image aspects as independent variables and eating disorder symptoms as dependent showed that low self-love/acceptance and high self-blame were associated with more eating disorder symptoms in all groups, except older patients with bulimia nervosa where self-hate also contributed. Associations were generally weaker in the healthy groups and the older samples.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We put forward that older age, low desirability of symptoms, poorly working symptoms, and being acknowledged as ill, may weaken the association, with implications for treatment and prevention.
authors: Karolinska Institute, Department of Clinical neuroscience, Resource center for eating disorders, Norra Stationsgatan 69, plan 7, 113 64 Stockholm, Sweden.
authors: Emma Forsén
authors: EF
authors: Mantilla
authors: Karolinska Institute, Department of Clinical neuroscience, Resource center for eating disorders, Norra Stationsgatan 69, plan 7, 113 64 Stockholm, Sweden.
authors: Andreas
authors: A
authors: Birgegård
keywords: Age; Eating disorders; Interpersonal theory; Non help-seeking; Self-image