Analyzing the relation between self-esteem and eating disorders: Differential effects of self-liking and self-competence

  • David H. Silvera
  • T. D. Bergersen
  • L. Bjørgum
  • J. A. Perry
  • J. H. Rosenvinge
  • A. Holte
Original Research Paper
First Online:

Abstract

Research in the past has demonstrated an association between low self-esteem and eating disorders. Recent research on self-esteem has shown, however, that self-esteem is composed of two distinct factors — self-liking and self-competence. The present study examined the relation between these two self-esteem factors and both eating disorders and eating disturbed cognitions. A total of 51 female participants from a high-risk population were clinically interviewed to identify the eating disorder and administered a series of questionnaires that included a measure of self-liking and self-competence. A strong relationship was found between self-liking and eating disorders, but no relationship was found between self-competence and eating disorders.

Key words

Self-esteem eating disorders 
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Copyright information

© Editrice Kurtis 1998

Authors and Affiliations

  • David H. Silvera
    • 1
  • T. D. Bergersen
    • 1
  • L. Bjørgum
    • 1
  • J. A. Perry
    • 1
  • J. H. Rosenvinge
    • 1
  • A. Holte
    • 2
  1. 1.Institute of PsychologyUniversity of TromsøTromsøNorway
  2. 2.University of OsloNorway

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