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A mediational model of self‐esteem and social problem‐solving in anorexia nervosa
Author(s) -
Paterson Gillian,
Power Kevin,
Collin Paula,
Greirson David,
Yellowlees Alex,
Park Katy
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
european eating disorders review
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.511
H-Index - 67
eISSN - 1099-0968
pISSN - 1072-4133
DOI - 10.1002/erv.1021
Subject(s) - anorexia nervosa , psychology , self esteem , eating disorders , orientation (vector space) , clinical psychology , developmental psychology , anorexia , medicine , pathology , geometry , mathematics
Abstract Objective Poor problem‐solving and low self‐esteem are frequently cited as significant factors in the development and maintenance of anorexia nervosa. The current study examines the multi‐dimensional elements of these measures and postulates a model whereby self‐esteem mediates the relationship between social problems‐solving and anorexic pathology and considers the implications of this pathway. Method Fifty‐five inpatients with a diagnosis of anorexia nervosa and 50 non‐clinical controls completed three standardised multi‐dimensional questionnaires pertaining to social problem‐solving, self‐esteem and eating pathology. Results Significant differences were yielded between clinical and non‐clinical samples on all measures. Within the clinical group, elements of social problem‐solving most significant to anorexic pathology were positive problem orientation, negative problem orientation and avoidance. Components of self‐esteem most significant to anorexic pathology were eating, weight and shape concern but not eating restraint. The mediational model was upheld with social problem‐solving impacting on anorexic pathology through the existence of low self‐esteem. Conclusion Problem orientation, that is, the cognitive processes of social problem‐solving appear to be more significant than problem‐solving methods in individuals with anorexia nervosa. Negative perceptions of eating, weight and shape appear to impact on low self‐esteem but level of restriction does not. Finally, results indicate that self‐esteem is a significant factor in the development and execution of positive or negative social problem‐solving in individuals with anorexia nervosa by mediating the relationship between those two variables. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.