City Research Online

Abstract

Background: Recent studies have confirmed a significant comorbidity between eating disorders and self-harm; they linked the presence of self-harm to a more severe and treatment-resistant eating disorder symptomatology. Difficulties with impulse-control were suggested to mediate this association. The present study explored another variable believed to be involved: mentalising.

Method: A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based, between-groups design was employed and a measure of mentalising was compared in individuals presenting with eating disorders and in individuals presenting with eating disorders and concurrent self-harm. Both groups were compared with a control group.

Results: Findings suggested that individuals with concurrent presentations reported less mentalising ability compared to individuals without concurrent difficulties. In addition, both groups significantly differed from the control group.

Conclusions: Results are discussed in relation to clinical implications.

Publication Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
Departments:	Doctoral Theses School of Health & Psychological Sciences > Psychology School of Health & Psychological Sciences > School of Health & Psychological Sciences Doctoral Theses

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