Objective: Eating Disorders (Eds) are considered a broad group of pathological conditions characterized by dysregulated eating-related behaviors and habits. Attachment styles and defense mechanisms appear to be linked to the development of EDs-related unhealthy behaviors; however, these factors have been seldom investigated jointly. This study aimed at exploring the shared association between attachment styles, defense mechanisms, and EDs-related behaviors; additionally, we aimed at investigating whether defense mechanisms might be potential mediators of the association between attachment and Eds behaviors. Method: A community-based sample was recruited (88% females, mean age= 22.33 ± 4.81 years) and underwent a comprehensive evaluation protocol assessing attachment styles, defense mechanisms, and risk of eating disorders. Results: Several shared associations between attachment styles, defense mechanisms, and eating disorders scores were found. Additionally, a maladaptive defense style appeared to be a significant mediator of the association between attachment styles and EDs-related symptoms. Conclusions: The integrated evaluation of attachment and defense mechanisms could generate a more comprehensive framework of the psychological antecedents related to Eating Disorders, and it could be a beneficial factor involved in therapies.

THE INTERPLAY OF ATTACHMENT STYLES AND DEFENSE MECHANISMS ON EATING DISORDERS RISK: CROSS-SECTIONAL OBSERVATION IN THE COMMUNITY POPULATION

Nadia Barberis;Valeria Verrastro;
2021-01-01

Abstract

Objective: Eating Disorders (Eds) are considered a broad group of pathological conditions characterized by dysregulated eating-related behaviors and habits. Attachment styles and defense mechanisms appear to be linked to the development of EDs-related unhealthy behaviors; however, these factors have been seldom investigated jointly. This study aimed at exploring the shared association between attachment styles, defense mechanisms, and EDs-related behaviors; additionally, we aimed at investigating whether defense mechanisms might be potential mediators of the association between attachment and Eds behaviors. Method: A community-based sample was recruited (88% females, mean age= 22.33 ± 4.81 years) and underwent a comprehensive evaluation protocol assessing attachment styles, defense mechanisms, and risk of eating disorders. Results: Several shared associations between attachment styles, defense mechanisms, and eating disorders scores were found. Additionally, a maladaptive defense style appeared to be a significant mediator of the association between attachment styles and EDs-related symptoms. Conclusions: The integrated evaluation of attachment and defense mechanisms could generate a more comprehensive framework of the psychological antecedents related to Eating Disorders, and it could be a beneficial factor involved in therapies.
2021
clinical psychology
attachment
defense mechanisms
maladaptive style
psychological maladjustment
eating disorders
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12317/74446
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