Exploring the association between partner behaviors and eating disorder symptomology.

INTRODUCTION

Research suggests an association between partner support and eating disorder (ED) symptomology in coupled women. However, no research describes whether time is a factor when examining routine partner behaviors that contribute to ED symptom severity. This study examined the relationship between supportive and unsupportive partner behaviors and ED symptom severity over a 3-month time period.

METHOD: Fifty-eight women with anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN) identified helpful and unhelpful partner behaviors and ranked relationship support and symptom severity for the past 3 months using an event history calendar. Regression analyses examined the relationship between symptom distress and partner-support variables over 3 months.

RESULTS

Higher levels of helpfulness and relationship quality positively predicted partner-support levels. Partner distancing was predictive of increases in symptom distress.

DISCUSSION: Emotional or physical distancing or neglect aggravates symptom severity, which highlights the importance of addressing couple relationships in treatment and research. (PsycINFO Database Record