Differences between women with anorexia nervosa and restrained eaters on shape and weight concerns, self-esteem, and depression

Objective: The current study examined the relation among shape and weight concerns, domain-specific self-esteem, dietary restraint, and depression. Method: Women with anorexia nervosa (AN; n=19), restrained eaters (n=20), and unrestrained eaters (n=21) completed measures of shape and weight concerns, depression, and self-esteem. Results: Women with AN had significantly higher shape and weight concerns and lower self-esteem than restrained eaters. However, once depression was controlled, these significant differences disappeared on all but the morality self-esteem subscale. Unrestrained eaters had significantly lower shape and weight concerns and higher self-esteem than restrained participants both before and after depression was controlled. Discussion: Shape and weight concerns and low self-esteem are associated with dietary restriction. However, results from the current study suggest these two variables may not be the primary driving forces behind extreme dietary restriction. (C) 2004 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.