Abstract
Perfectionism is hypothesized to contribute to the etiology of anorexia nervosa (AN). However, there is little research regarding whether individuals with AN can be classified according to maladaptive (e.g., evaluative concerns) and adaptive (e.g., high personal standards) facets of perfectionism that predict distinct outcomes and might warrant different intervention approaches. In this study, a latent profile analysis was conducted using data from adults with AN (n = 118). Frost Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (Frost et al. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 14(5), 449–46, 1990) subscales were used to identify subgroups differing according to endorsed perfectionism features (e.g., adaptive and maladaptive perfectionism). Generalized linear models were used to compare subgroups on eating disorder and affective symptoms measured through questionnaire and ecological momentary assessment. Four subgroups were identified: (a) Low Perfectionism; (b) High Adaptive and Maladaptive Perfectionism; (c) Moderate Maladaptive Perfectionism; and (d) High Maladaptive Perfectionism. Subgroups differed on overall eating disorder symptoms (p <.001), purging (p =.005), restrictive eating (p <.001), and body checking (p <.001) frequency, depressive (p <.001) and anxiety (p <.001) symptoms, and negative (p =.001) and positive (p <.001) affect. The Low Perfectionism group displayed the most adaptive scores and the Moderate and High Maladaptive Perfectionism groups demonstrated the most elevated clinical symptoms. The High Adaptive and Maladaptive Perfectionism group demonstrated low affective disturbances, but elevated eating disorder symptoms. Results support the clinical significance of subtyping according to perfectionism dimensions in AN. Research is needed to determine if perfectionism subtyping can enhance individualized treatment targeting in AN.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 691-700 |
Number of pages | 10 |
Journal | Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment |
Volume | 40 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Dec 1 2018 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:Funding This work was supported by grants P30DK050456 from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, grants R01MH059674, T32MH082761, and K23MH112867 from the National Institute of Mental Health, and the Neuropsychiatric Research Institute.
Publisher Copyright:
© 2018, Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.
Keywords
- Adaptive perfectionism
- Anorexia nervosa
- Eating disorder
- Maladaptive perfectionism