Perfectionism in Eating Disorders : Are Long-Term Outcomes Influenced by Extent and Changeability in Initial Perfectionism?

• Purpose: Perfectionism has been found to predict outcomes in the treatment of eating disorders (ED). In the present study, we took advantage of longitudinal data to:a) investigate whether thereare different patterns of perfectionism during the first six months after admission in a clinical sample of patients with ED, and b) describe how these patterns are related to long-term outcome.Methods: A sample of patients (N=294) fromthe Coordinated Evaluation and Research at Specialized Units for Eating Disorders database was divided into clusters according to perfectionism patterns measured with the EDI-2 perfectionism scale at baseline, and six months in treatment. Cluster analysis was performed on the extent and perseverance/changeability of self-oriented and socially described perfectionism. Outcome was measured with the EDI-2 and the SCL-63. Frequencies of eating disorder diagnoses were investigated.Results: Five clusters were identified. Low perfectionism was associated with lower levels of ED and psychiatric symptomatology at baseline. There were nosignificant differences between clusters on outcome variables at 36-month follow-up.Conclusions: Results indicated better psychiatric and psychological health three years after the initial measure. Patterns of relations between the extent and possible changes of perfectionism, measured with the EDI-P at baseline and after six months, did not appear to be associated with long-term outcomes on psychiatric health ratings.

Ämnesord

SAMHÄLLSVETENSKAP  -- Psykologi (hsv//swe)

SOCIAL SCIENCES  -- Psychology (hsv//eng)

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Psykiatri (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Psychiatry (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Perfectionism

Eating Disorders

Eating Disorder Inventory

Long term study

Cluster analysis

Psychology

Psykologi

Publikations- och innehållstyp

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