General shame and Bodily Shame in Eating Disorders: A 2.5‐Year Longitudinal Study

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Studies have established a link between shame and eating disorder symptoms but have generally been cross-sectional or failed to differentiate between general shame and bodily shame. The present study addressed both these issues. DESIGN: This study used a longitudinal panel design. METHOD: Fifty-five women with a past or current eating disorder participated. They completed measures of eating pathology, depression, general shame (internal and external) and bodily shame (current feelings of bodily shame as well as bodily shame that is anticipated were the individual to gain weight) and were followed up over 2.5 years. RESULTS: Bodily shame uniquely predicted an increase in anorexic (but not bulimic) symptoms. Current bodily shame predicted an increase in the degree of underweight and the misperception of body size. Anticipated bodily shame predicted an increase in fear of weight gain. DISCUSSION: Current versus anticipated bodily shame predicts different anorexic symptoms. Both therefore should be considered in developing interventions and aetiological models of anorexia nervosa.

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