eCite Digital Repository
Perceived acceptability of anorexia and bulimia in women with and without eating disorder symptoms
Citation
Mond, JM and Arrighi, A, Perceived acceptability of anorexia and bulimia in women with and without eating disorder symptoms, Australian Journal of Psychology, 64 pp. 108-117. ISSN 0004-9530 (2012) [Refereed Article]
Copyright Statement
© 2011 The Australian Psychological Society
DOI: doi:10.1111/j.1742-9536.2011.00033.x
Abstract
Perceptions of the acceptability of eating-disordered behaviour were examined in young adult women with (n = 44) and without
(n = 268) eating disorder symptoms. All participants viewed vignettes of anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN) and
responded to the same series of questions—addressing different possible ways in which the conditions described might be seen to be
acceptable—in relation to each vignette. Participants with eating disorder symptoms perceived eating-disordered behaviour to be
more acceptable than asymptomatic participants, and this was the case for both AN and BN vignettes and for a range of different
items. Differences on items tapping the perception that it ‘might not be too bad’ to have an eating disorder and that an eating disorder
is ‘nothing to be concerned about’ were particularly pronounced. The findings could not be accounted for by between-group
differences in body weight. The findings indicate the ambivalence towards eating-disordered behaviour that exists among a subgroup
of young women in the community and the clear association between such ambivalence and actual eating disorder symptoms. The
perceived acceptability of eating-disordered behaviour may need to be addressed in prevention and early-intervention programs for
eating disorders.
Item Details
Item Type: | Refereed Article |
---|---|
Keywords: | acceptability, anorexia, bulimia, eating disorders, mental health literacy |
Research Division: | Medical and Health Sciences |
Research Group: | Public Health and Health Services |
Research Field: | Mental Health |
Objective Division: | Health |
Objective Group: | Public Health (excl. Specific Population Health) |
Objective Field: | Mental Health |
UTAS Author: | Mond, JM (Dr Jon Mond) |
ID Code: | 117831 |
Year Published: | 2012 |
Web of Science® Times Cited: | 7 |
Deposited By: | Centre for Rural Health |
Deposited On: | 2017-06-28 |
Last Modified: | 2017-11-07 |
Downloads: | 0 |
Repository Staff Only: item control page