Publication:


abstract

OBJECTIVE:

This work aimed to explore The relationship between alexithymia and maladaptive perfectionism in the psychological process leading to eating disorders (ED).

METHOD:

Forty-nine individuals with ED and 49 controls completed the Concern over Mistakes subscale of the Frost Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale, the Perfectionism subscale of the Eating Disorders Inventory, the total score of the Toronto Alexithymia Scale, and the Drive for Thinness, Bulimia, and Body Dissatisfaction subscales of the Eating Disorders Inventory. We tested a model in which alexythimia is the independent variable and perfectionism is the possible mediator or moderator.

RESULTS:

Analyses confirmed the assumed model. In addition, it emerged that perfectionism played a mediating or moderating role when measured by different instruments. This result suggested that different instruments measured subtly different aspects of the same construct.

DISCUSSION:

Results could suggest that alexithymia is a predisposing factor for perfectionism, which in turn may lead to the development of eating disorders.

Related Articles
Perfectionism as a mediator between perceived criticism and eating disorders.
Eat Weight Disord. 2011
Perfectionism as a mediator between perceived criticism and eating disorders.
Sassaroli S, Apparigliato M, Bertelli S, Boccalari L, Fiore F, Lamela C, Scarone S, Ruggiero GM. Eat Weight Disord. 2011 Mar; 16(1):e37-44.
Low perception of control as a cognitive factor of eating disorders. Its independent effects on measures of eating disorders and its interactive effects with perfectionism and self-esteem.
J Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry. 2...
Low perception of control as a cognitive factor of eating disorders. Its independent effects on measures of eating disorders and its interactive effects with perfectionism and self-esteem.
Sassaroli S, Gallucci M, Ruggiero GM. J Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry. 2008 Dec; 39(4):467-88. Epub 2008 Jan 18.
The relation between eating disorders and components of perfectionism.
Am J Psychiatry. 2003
The relation between eating disorders and components of perfectionism.
Bulik CM, Tozzi F, Anderson C, Mazzeo SE, Aggen S, Sullivan PF. Am J Psychiatry. 2003 Feb; 160(2):366-8.
Stress situation reveals an association between perfectionism and drive for thinness.
Int J Eat Disord. 2003
Stress situation reveals an association between perfectionism and drive for thinness.
Ruggiero GM, Levi D, Ciuna A, Sassaroli S. Int J Eat Disord. 2003 Sep; 34(2):220-6.
Review The relationship between perfectionism, eating disorders and athletes: a review.
Minerva Pediatr. 2006
Review The relationship between perfectionism, eating disorders and athletes: a review.
Forsberg S, Lock J. Minerva Pediatr. 2006 Dec; 58(6):525-36.