Autonomy disturbances in subtypes of anorexia nervosa.

Abstract

This study examines the hypothesis, derived from several theories, that disturbances in the development of autonomy are a central psychological feature in anorexia nervosa. Several measures relevant to autonomy, including the General Causality Orientations Scale (Deci & Ryan, 1985b), Structural Analysis of Social Behavior (Benjamin, 1977), Mutuality of Autonomy Scale (Urist, 1977), and Family Environment Scale (Moos, 1974) were administered to 19 restrictive anorexics, 14 bulimic anorexics, and 17 normal control subjects. All three groups were matched for age, sex, race, education, and marital status; the anorexic groups were matched for current percentage of ideal body weight, duration of illness, and treatment history. We hypothesized that both restrictive and bulimic anorexics would evidence greater problems with autonomy than would controls and, further, that the three groups would show differential patterns of response on these measures. Results largely confirmed these hypotheses. The restrictors experienced a greater sense of impersonal causality than did either the butimic anorexics or the controls. Compared with the control group, both restrictive and bulimic anorexic groups exhibited poorer self-concept, more pathological object relations, and more disturbed family interactions. We concluded that problems with autonomy-related issues are prominent in anorexia nervosa and that different subtypes may be associated with distinct forms of autonomy disturbance.

Autonomy and Autonomy Disturbances in Self‐Development and Psychopathology: Research on Motivation, Attachment, and Clinical Process

“…The psychodynamics highlighted by Bruch were empirically supported in an early study by Strauss and Ryan (1987). They found greater self-oppression and selfrejection in both anorexic and bulimic participants than in a matched control group, suggesting internally controlling dynamics, whereas control-group participants displayed more flexible self-management and self-acceptance.…”

A Self-determination Theory Approach to the Study of Body Image Concerns, Self-presentation and Self-perceptions in a Sample of Aerobic Instructors

“…For example, they argued that the struggle for body control may be the outcome of a lack of self-determination. A study by Strauss and Ryan (1987) has offered some support to this assertion. The authors found that women diagnosed with anorexia nervosa had significantly higher scores on the impersonal subscale of the General Causality Orientations Scale (which assesses the extent of autonomy orientation in one's life) and intrapsychic autonomy, compared to a matched control group.…”

Binge eating as a consequence of unfulfilled basic needs: The moderating role of implicit achievement motivation

“…By restricting their eating behavior, individuals try to gain the control over their behavior and its outcomes that they are missing in their everyday lives. A study by Strauss and Ryan (1987) showing that patients with anorexia nervosa reported a lack of autonomy and feelings of ineffectiveness supports the theoretical assumption that unfulfilled needs for autonomy and competence are associated with eating disorders. Meanwhile a series of studies supports the association between unfulfilled needs and problems associated with restricted eating (Pelletier et al 2004;Stok et al 2010;Thogersen-Ntoumani and Ntoumanis 2007).…”