Body image perception and preference in anorexia nervosa.

Abstract

Nineteen female anorexics (10 restrictors and 9 with episodes of bulimia) and 19 matched normal weight females participated in a study of dimensions of body image perception and preference. Nineteen silhouettes which varied systematically in size of breasts, abdomen, buttocks, and legs were sorted according to perceived similarity and ordered according to preference by the subjects. Subjects also selected the silhouette which resembled themselves most. Multidimensional scaling analyses were performed. Five dimensions of perception were interpreted: four dealt with size of buttocks and abdomen and one with breast size. The perceptual dimensions were similar for both groups. No group differences were found regarding body image preference. Preference ratings of own body silhouette were lower for anorexic restrictors than for bulimic anorexics and normals. Thus, a distorted body image and a thin body ideal may not be as critical to anorexia nervosa as has been assumed.