Moderators and mediators of the relationship between child abuse and the eating disorders

Hartt, Joanne (1998) Moderators and mediators of the relationship between child abuse and the eating disorders. University of Southampton, Doctoral Thesis.

Record type: Thesis (Doctoral)

Abstract

A series of models of the relationship between child abuse and eating disorders are examined, in an order that broadly reflects the development of research in this field. Research evidence relevant to each of these models is reviewed. Initially, the earliest and most extensively researched model of a cause-effect relationship between sexual abuse and eating disorders is considered. However, the utility of this model is questioned, and it is concluded that there is more evidence for a more refined model of a relationship between severity of sexual abuse and severity of eating pathology. Evidence suggesting that other forms of child abuse need to be included in any model of the abuse-eating relationship is then reviewed. Finally, moderators and mediators of the abuse-eating relationship are considered. The final model outlined in this review is proposed as a guide for future research in this field. Clinical implications of research evidence to date are also discussed.

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