Försvar, närhet och separation hos en grupp anorektiker och bulimiker

Abstract

Johnsson (P) (1989). Anorexics and bulimics compared vis-á-vis defence, proximity, and separation, Nordisk Psykologi, 41, 126–140.

Anorexics and bulimics were compared vis-á-vis defence, proximity and separation; crucial psychological behavioural dimensions in eating disorders. Those studied were 54 women, 25 with a diagnosis of Anorexia nervosa, 29 with Bulimia nervosa, 45 female university students acting as controls. Psychological defence was measured with the Meta Contrast Technique (MCT), and proximity and separation with thematic apperception testing. The psychological and behavioural dimensions were measured with the Eating Disorder Inventory (EDI). MCI results showed anorexics to be more sensitive than bulimics, and to have fewer signs of repression, whereas bulimics manifested more depression and isolation. In thematic apperception testing, bulimics responded more frequently with depressive interpretations, whereas anorexics more often discerned details in the mother's face or other pictures displayed. EDI results showed bulimics to have greater drive for thinness and bulimia. The findings are discussed in the light of earlier aetiological theories about Anorexia nervosa and Bulimia nervosa.