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

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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.

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This work was performed at The University of Tromsø, 9037 Tromsø, Norway.

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Silvera, D.H., Bergersen, T.D., Bjørgum, L. et al. Analyzing the relation between self-esteem and eating disorders: Differential effects of self-liking and self-competence. Eat Weight Disord 3, 95–99 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03339995

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