Exploring personality factors associated with treatment-seeking behavior among individuals with bulimia nervosa

Abstract

[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT AUTHOR'S REQUEST.] There are numerous treatments that have been developed for bulimia nervosa (BN), but few individuals with BN seek treatment. It is important to understand factors associated with treatment seeking so that those who are less apt to seek treatment are targeted. The study aims to investigate the relation between personality traits and treatment-seeking behaviors in BN individuals. Various personality trait measures and treatment-seeking behavior related to eating or weight problems was assessed in a community and clinical sample of women with BN. A wide variety of treatments were sought by the sample. Increases in emotional dysregulation and maladaptive perfectionism predicted number of treatments sought. Increases in emotional dysregulation were associated with an increased likelihood to use therapy-focused treatment while increases in dissocial behavior were associated with an increased likelihood to use a weight-focused treatment. Further research is needed to assess the degree that personality traits predict treatment-seeking behavior.