Is There a Link between Traumatic Experiences and Self-Injurious Behaviors in Eating-Disordered Patients?

Authors: Claes, Laurence¹; Vandereycken, Walter¹

Source: Eating Disorders, Volume 15, Number 4, July 2007 , pp. 305-315(11)

Publisher: Routledge, part of the Taylor & Francis Group

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Abstract:

To find out more about the relationship between the presence of self-injurious behavior (SIB) and a history of traumatic experiences, we studied this link in 70 patients with an eating disorder (ED). The sample showed a high frequency of SIB (38.6%), particularly in patients with bulimia nervosa. We also found high percentages of self-reported experiences of physical (32.3%) and sexual abuse (47.7%). The presence of SIB turned out to be associated with a history of physical and/or sexual abuse. Patients who had suffered interpersonal abuse before the age of 15 were more likely to develop self-destructive behaviors. In line with other investigations, we found that high levels of dissociation and self-criticism differentiated sexually abused ED patients with SIB from those without SIB. We discuss some clinical implications of our findings, with suggestions for treatment.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1080/10640260701454329

Affiliations: 1: Catholic University of Leuven, Leuven, Belguim

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