Eating behaviours and personality characteristics of clinicians and researchers working in eating disorders

This study examined whether these constructs differed amongst 83 EDCR and 47 general mental health clinicians/researchers (MHCR), who completed an online survey, measuring eating disorder symptomology, orthorexia nervosa, perfectionism, cognitive flexibility, and obsessive-compulsive traits. Significantly less dietary restraint, eating concerns and orthorexia nervosa behaviours, but significantly poorer ability to seek out alternative solutions (i.e. a component of cognitive flexibility) were found in the EDCR group compared with the MHCR group. Moderation analysis found no effect of ED history on the relationship between eating behaviours and group. These results suggest that working in the ED field may be a protective factor against developing certain disordered eating behaviours. However, poorer cognitive flexibility may adversely impact EDCRs, and should be considered when carrying out their clinical and/or research duties.PMID:38095563 | DOI:10.1080/10640266.2023.2293502
Source: Eating Disorders - Category: Eating Disorders & Weight Management Authors: Source Type: research