Predicting a comprehensive operationalization of eating disorder recovery: Examining self-concept, personality, and negative affect.

Abstract

Our goal was to examine potential predictors of a comprehensive operationalization of eating disorder recovery, characterized by physical, behavioral, and cognitive recovery, focusing on constructs related to self-concept, personality, and negative affect. Participants were women with a history of an eating disorder who provided data via survey and interview at two time points separated by about 7-8 years and who met criteria for an eating disorder diagnosis at baseline (N = 36). Logistic regression models revealed that self-esteem was a significant predictor of recovery status (OR = 1.12, p = .039) such that individuals with higher self-esteem at baseline demonstrated significantly greater odds of being in full recovery at follow-up. However, when self-esteem was considered in a set along with baseline imposter phenomenon and anxiety, no single construct emerged as a significant unique predictor of recovery in logistic regression analyses. These results highlight the potential importance of self-esteem in relation to recovery, with clinical implications related to bolstering self-esteem as part of eating disorder treatment. Future research should continue to explore predictors using a comprehensive operationalization of eating disorder recovery in larger, more diverse samples to optimally identify factors associated with achieving recovery.