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Patients with eating disorders and their siblings

An investigation of body image perceptions

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Abstract

Little is known about body images of siblings of patients with eating disorders. In this study we investigated body images of patients with anorexia or bulimia nervosa and of the patients’ brothers and sisters. A computer program was employed that allows modeling perceived and desired body images of patients and family members. Patients, siblings and male and female control subjects rated their body images. The selected images were compared with anthropometric data. All subjects also filled out a body image questionnaire. Data from 30 patients, 38 siblings, and 60 control subjects are presented. Siblings did not differ from healthy control subjects. Self-ideal discrepancy was different in patients with anorexia and their sisters. Body image was more negative in patients than in their sisters. Siblings of patients with eating disorders seem to be rather unimpaired in terms of body image disturbances.

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Acknowledgments

We are indebted to Andreas Mohr, Sabine Pfaudler, Lena Raykowski, Beate Schmidt, and Vera Tadic for their contribution to this study.

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  1. Clinic for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University of Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Luebeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538, Luebeck, Germany

    Dieter Benninghoven Ph.D., Nina Tetsch & Günter Jantschek M.D.

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  1. Dieter Benninghoven Ph.D.
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  2. Nina Tetsch
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  3. Günter Jantschek M.D.
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Correspondence to Dieter Benninghoven Ph.D..

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Benninghoven, D., Tetsch, N. & Jantschek, G. Patients with eating disorders and their siblings. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 17, 118–126 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00787-007-0645-9

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