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An approach to sub‐grouping the eating disorder population: Adding attachment and coping style
Author(s) -
Turner Hannah,
BryantWaugh Rachel,
Peveler Robert
Publication year - 2009
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.931
Subject(s) - psychology , eating disorders , coping (psychology) , clinical psychology , attachment theory , cluster (spacecraft) , population , psychiatry , medicine , environmental health , computer science , programming language
Objective To investigate whether clinically meaningful sub‐groups of patients can be identified by clustering eating disorder features, attachment and coping styles. Method 165 patients completed the Eating Disorder Examination (EDE), Attachment Style Questionnaire (ASQ) and Utrecht Coping List (UCL). Cluster analysis was used to identify sub‐groups across the sample. Results Four clusters were identified. Cluster one had low levels of eating disorder behaviours and the most severe attachment and coping difficulties. Cluster two had high levels of dietary restriction and exercise, and a fearful/avoidant attachment style. Cluster three had high levels of binge eating and vomiting, and few attachment and coping difficulties. Cluster four had low levels of eating disorder features and positive attachment and coping styles. Conclusions Clustering participants on the basis of eating disorder features, attachment and coping yields four sub‐groups appearing to have clinical face validity. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.