Objective: The purpose of this paper was to review and summarize the research literature on the spectrum of eating disturbances. Method: Literature was searched using a computer data base to identify recent articles related to the prevalence and occurrence of disturbed eating patterns as well as full and partial syndrome eating disorders (EDs). Results: This review indicates that the prevalence of partial syndrome EDs in nonclinical populations is at least twice that of full syndrome EDs, and that there is a progression in some individuals from less to more severe disturbances in eating behavior. Discussion: These findings suggest the need for careful, scientific evaluation of risk factors for EDs in both children and adults. A longitudinal research program in progress is described which aims to identify the risk factors for EDs. © 1995 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Objective To describe the development, test‐retest reliability, internal consistency, and convergent validity of the McKnight Risk Factor Survey‐III (MRFS‐III). The MRFS‐III was designed to assess a number of potential risk and protective factors for the development of disordered eating in preadolescent and adolescent girls. Method Several versions of the MRFS were pilot tested before the MRFS‐III was administered to a sample of 651 4th through 12th‐ grade girls to establish its psychometric properties. Results Most of the test‐retest reliability coefficients of individual items on the MRFS‐III were r >.40. Alpha coefficients for each risk and protective factor domain on the MRFS‐III were also computed. The majority of these coefficients were r >.60. High convergent validity coefficients were obtained for specific items on the MRFS‐III and measures of self‐esteem (Rosenberg Self‐Esteem Scale) and weight concerns (Weight Concerns Scale). Conclusions The test‐retest reliability, internal consistency, and convergent validity of the MRFS‐III suggest that it is a useful new instrument to assess potential risk and protective factors for the development of disordered eating in preadolescent and adolescent girls. © 1999 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 25: 195–214, 1999.

This study examined differences between more and less effective trainee psychotherapists. Therapists were assigned to one of two groups depending on whether the preponderance of their patients' changes in symptomatology indicated more or less improvement over the course of therapy. Therapist variables included emotional adjustment, relationship skills, eliciting patient involvement, credibility, directiveness, and theoretical orientation. Less effective therapists were revealed to have lower levels of empathic understanding, to rate their patients as more involved in treatment, and to rate themselves as more supportive than the more effective therapists. Less effective therapists also valued comfort and stimulation significantly more and valued intellectual goals significantly less than did more effective therapists.

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Objective The purpose of this paper was to review the research literature related to eating behaviors and disturbances among American minority groups. Method: A computer‐based literature search was conducted to locate articles pertaining to this topic. Results: This review indicates that, compared to Caucasian females, eating disturbances are equally common among Hispanic females, more frequent among Native Americans, and less frequent among Black and Asian American females. Risk factors for eating disorders (EDs) are greater among minority females who are younger, heavier, better educated, and more identified with White, middle‐class values. Discussion: Further studies of EDs among American minority groups are needed, especially studies that are longitudinal and developmental in nature and that focus more specifically on the effects of racism in the development of EDs. © 1996 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.