Attachment Insecurity and Eating Disorders: Investigating the Role of Maladaptive Perfectionism as a Mediator Between Attachment Styles and Symptom Severity in Anorexia and Bulimia
Faculty Sponsor(s)
Stephanie Armes, Ph.D.
Presentation Type
Event
Project Type
Research proposal
Primary Department
Marriage and Family Therapy
Description
This proposes to explore the relationship between insecure attachment and eating disorder symptoms, with a focus on maladaptive perfectionism as a possible mediating factor. Previous research demonstrates a strong association between attachment insecurity and the development of eating disorders such as Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa; however, the underlying link remains unclear. This study proposes that maladaptive perfectionism may help explain how early attachment experiences contribute to disordered eating behaviors. By examining this relationship in individuals diagnosed with eating disorders, the research aims to provide a deeper understanding of the emotional and psychological factors that influence symptom severity. Our goal is to identify more effective, attachment-informed treatment approaches. Future research may benefit from further exploring the developmental origins of maladaptive perfectionism, particularly how it may emerge from early relational dynamics and caregiving environments.
Copyright Status
http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/
Additional Rights Information
Copyright held by author(s).
Attachment Insecurity and Eating Disorders: Investigating the Role of Maladaptive Perfectionism as a Mediator Between Attachment Styles and Symptom Severity in Anorexia and Bulimia
This proposes to explore the relationship between insecure attachment and eating disorder symptoms, with a focus on maladaptive perfectionism as a possible mediating factor. Previous research demonstrates a strong association between attachment insecurity and the development of eating disorders such as Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa; however, the underlying link remains unclear. This study proposes that maladaptive perfectionism may help explain how early attachment experiences contribute to disordered eating behaviors. By examining this relationship in individuals diagnosed with eating disorders, the research aims to provide a deeper understanding of the emotional and psychological factors that influence symptom severity. Our goal is to identify more effective, attachment-informed treatment approaches. Future research may benefit from further exploring the developmental origins of maladaptive perfectionism, particularly how it may emerge from early relational dynamics and caregiving environments.
Rights Statement
