Examining the Relationship Between Identity Disturbance, Body Image Disturbance, and Eating Disorder Symptoms in Current and Partially Recovered Anorexia Nervosa Using Structural Equation Modelling.

OBJECTIVE: Theoretical models and empirical research suggest that identity plays a pivotal role in the development of anorexia nervosa (AN), however, limited research has been conducted on how identity is connected to the expression of eating disorder (ED) symptoms. One possible connecting mechanism is body image disturbance (BID). As such, the current study aimed to investigate the potential mediating role of BID between identity disturbance and ED symptoms in those with AN. METHOD: A sample of 178 women with self-reported current AN or partially recovered AN (with persistent psychological symptoms) completed measures of identity disturbance (Self-Concept and Identity Measure), BID (Body Image Disturbance Questionnaire), and ED symptoms (Eating Disorders Examination Questionnaire). A structural equation modelling approach was used, considering scales rather than items for the measurement models due to sample size. RESULTS: Identity disturbance was found to be significantly related to ED symptoms and BID was found to partially mediate the relationship between identity disturbance and ED symptoms. DISCUSSION: Findings suggest BID plays a mediating role between identity disturbance and ED symptoms in those with AN, highlighting the importance of body image in the relationship between identity and AN along with the potential usefulness of targeting these concepts in treatment.