Attitudes toward orthorexia nervosa relative to DSM ‐5 eating disorders

This study examined potential stigmatization of ON, compared with DSM‐5 ED diagnoses. MethodParticipants (N = 505) were randomly assigned to read a vignette depicting a woman with anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN), binge‐eating disorder (BED), or ON. They then answered questions about the individual depicted in the vignette. A series of MANOVAs investigated whether opinions and beliefs about the person depicted varied as a function of the disorder described in the vignette. ResultsIndividuals with ON were perceived as less likely to “improve with treatment” than individuals with BN, and less likely to “pull themselves together,” than individuals with BED. Individuals with ON and AN were viewed as “hard[er] to talk to” and more of a “danger to others” compared with individuals with BED. ON was viewed as less distressing, less likely to evoke sympathy, and more acceptable than the other disorders. Finally, “poor living choices” were perceived as contributing more substantially to ON. Participants' attributions of various personality characteristics did not differ based on ED diagnosis. DiscussionResults suggest that ON is viewed as less severe, more desirable, and more often the result of personal life choices. However, findings also imply that ON is associated with stigma, similar to DSM‐5 EDs. These negative attitudes might reinforce ON behaviors, and limit awareness of their potential complications.
Source: International Journal of Eating Disorders - Category: Eating Disorders and Weight Management Authors: Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research