Dissociation : Vol. 8, No. 3, p. 155-159 : Reported sexual abuse and bulimic symptoms: the mediating role of dissociation
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Date
1995-09
Authors
Everill, Joanne T.
Waller, Glenn
Macdonald, Wendy
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Ridgeview Institute and the International Society for the Study of Dissociation
Abstract
There is only inconclusive evidence of a specific association between a history of sexual abuse and diagnosable eating disorders. However, there is stronger support for a link between sexual abuse and bulimic symptomatology. The mediating factors in this relationship are still unclear. Dissociation appears to be a strong candidate, given its links to both early trauma and bulimic psychopathology. This study examines the role of dissociation as a potential mediating factor in the relationship between a reported history of sexual abuse and specific bulimic behaviors in 60 women with eating disorders. A reported history of sexual abuse was associated with greater dissociation and with a greater frequency of bingeing. In an Analysis of Covariance, dissociation accounted for the association between a reported history of sexual abuse and frequency of bingeing. Further research is required to determine the other factors involved in this relationship.
Description
p. 155-159