Attitudes towards body and perception of parental care and close relationships in anorexia nervosa (AN)

Abstract

Introduction The links between body image disturbances and distorted relationships with parents were supposed since the early conceptualizations of AN by Hilde Bruch. The empirical studies however were concerned with perceptual aspects of body image and much less is known about how the attitudinal aspects and the body-related behaviors are affected. Objectives To study the attitudinal and behavioral aspects of body image in adolescents with AN in relation to perceived parental care and the attachments to close people. Methods The Body Investment Scale (BSI), Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI) and Attachment Style Questionnaire (ASQ) were used. 53 girls with Anorexia Nervosa were compared to 63 controls (adjusted by age). Results Girls with AN scored significantly higher on BIS Body attitude (p0.6), while Discomfort with Touch is less linked to problems in relationships than in controls. Conclusions Results suggest the importance of studying the father’s mediating role in the formation of body attitudes in AN. Disclosure No significant relationships.

Keywords

• perceived parental care
• Anorexia nervosa
• attachment in close relationships
• body image