Social Competence and Eating Disorders: Development and Validation of the Anorexia and Bulimia Problem Inventory

Authors: McFall R.M.¹; Eason B.J.²; Edmondson C.B.²; Treat T.A.²

Source: Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment, Volume 21, Number 4, December 1999 , pp. 365-394(30)

Publisher: Springer

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Abstract:

Incompetence at solving interpersonal problems is a possible antecedent of anorexic and bulimic behaviors in college-age women. A role-play measure of interpersonal competence, the Anorexia and Bulimia Problem Inventory (ABPI), was developed empirically and then was tested in two validation studies. ABPI scores for two samples of college women were compared: a subclinical sample [extremely high scores on the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT)] and a control sample (extremely low EAT scores). Groups differed as predicted. The second study replicated and extended these findings. The ABPI scores of clinical, subclinical, and control samples of college women differed significantly. Bulimic bingers, purgers, and laxative users were least competent on the ABPI. A lack of group differences on the Helping Situations Inventory supported the ABPI's discriminant validity. A correlation between the ABPI and Beck Depression Inventory supported the ABPI's convergent validity. ABPI competence appears to be related to certain subtypes of eating disorders.

Keywords: social competence; problem solving; eating disorders; bulimia; anorexia

Language: English

Document Type: Research article

Affiliations: 1: Indiana University. Department of Psychology, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405. mcfall@indiana.edu 2: Indiana University

Publication date: 1999-12-01