Perfectionism as a mediator between perceived criticism and eating disorders

Abstract

In this work we aimed to test the hypothesis that perfectionism plays a third variable role in the psychological process leading from perceived criticism to eating disorders (ED). Forty-nine individuals with ED and 49 controls completed the Concern over Mistakes subscale of the Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale, the Perceived Criticism Inventory, and the Drive for Thinness, Bulimia, and Body Dissatisfaction subscales of the Eating Disorders Inventory. Mediational and moderational models were tested. Analyses revealed that perfectionism mediates between perceived criticism and drive for thinness. Results for bulimia and body dissatisfaction were controversial. Moderational models were rejected. Results suggest that restrictive dieting is related to a process in which perceived criticism is the initial factor and perfectionism is an intervening mediator.