**5. A psychological profile of the body self characteristics in females suffering from bulimia nervosa**

Statistical cluster analysis conducted using the k-means allowed to distinguish three clusters in the whole research population of 102 females. Cluster No. I and Cluster No. II consisted of women diagnosed with bulimia nervosa. Whereas cluster No. III was comprised of females revealing no mental disturbances or eating disorders.

The research data analysis demonstrated certain significant differences between the examined females in the aforementioned three clusters in terms of the strength level and configuration of the body self characteristics. Hence, the three clusters were referred to as: "Bulimic Type I (a socio-cultural type)", "Bulimic Type II (a separation type)", and Type III (an adequate type). Each of them referred to certain distinctive characteristics of the body self structure in the examined women.

Figure 1 displays a graphic illustration of significant differences regarding the emotional and cognitive characteristics of the body self in the examined 102 Polish females.

Statistical analysis of the research data reveals certain significant differences between the examined 102 females in terms of such indicators of the body self structure as: the level of satisfaction with one's own body (the quality of emotions regarding the body); the overall body self-assessment (acceptance or disapproval of the current body image; perception of body image (both current and ideal body shape); recognizing body sensations (interoceptive awareness, i.e. a degree of perplexity arousing in the process of recognizing and responding to the emotional states and body sensations); experiencing bodily functions (i.e. the level of maturity fear – accepting the level of psychosexual development related to the process of transition into adult life, body image transformation and loss of childhood security).

A Psychological Profile of the Body Self Characteristics in Women Suffering from Bulimia Nervosa 157


The data gathered in the whole sample of 102 females (i.e. the women suffering from bulimia nervosa as well as the individuals exhibiting no eating disorders or mental disturbances) did not reveal any significant dysfunctions in terms of the body schema or body boundaries in any of the examined subjects. The mean values concerning the presence or absence of the major body parts in the participants' drawings turned out to be high or average in the majority of the examined females, which demonstrates the individuals'

Cluster analysis of the data collected in the whole population of 102 females discovered that the subjects not suffering from bulimia nervosa (who comprised Cluster No. III) maintained a proper body schema and body boundaries. The individuals in this cluster did not present any distorted figures in their body drawings (the mean value for scaling the figures up and down reached 0.7). The bodies sketched by the females did not miss any parts, all of which were properly attached to the depicted figures (head featuring eyes, mouth, nose, hair; sharply drawn arms and legs with thighs and feet, connected to the body trunk). The mean values for the body proportions shown in the participants' drawings prove that the women in cluster No. III, maintained body proportions in their drawings: the proportion of arms to trunk, legs to trunk, and head to trunk. A sharp pencil stroke dominating in the drawings (the mean value = 0.84) as well as the so called average unbroken line (the mean value = 0.53) demonstrate maintained body boundaries. Cluster No. III was predominated by the females whose mean age was 23, and their average body weight reached 55.7 kg, at which level their BMI was 20.16 (within the normal range). Analysis of the mean values for the level of the women's satisfaction with their own body, its weight, shape and general physical appearance, points to the subjects' average (adequate) level of body acceptance and appearance satisfaction. The mean values in the "Body dissatisfaction" scale as well as those obtained as a result of Thompson's Figure Test also denote a high level of satisfaction with body shape and appearance among the females in cluster No. III. The mean values for evaluation of the current self image ("what I look like") and the ideal one ("what I would like to look like"), reaching the value of 3.95 and 3.63 respectively, also indicate adequacy in perceiving and experiencing body in this group of examined females. This in turn points to adequate (positive) self-assessment, as well as to one's own body satisfaction. A low mean value of 2.74 in the "Interoceptive awareness" scale (the EDI inventory) points to the fact that the non-bulimic subjects maintain a highly adequate ability to recognize and respond to the occurring emotional states and body sensations. It can also indicate that the women are able to accept and experience the feelings regarding the body, and they do not make any discrediting intellectual evaluation. The mean value of 4.58 in the"Maturity fear" scale (the EDI inventory) indicates a low level of emotional discreditation of body among the examined females. It also proves that they fully accept their body sexuality and transition into adult life, which is accompanied by mental acceptance of "farewell to childhood and

Summing up, the data obtained as a result of this research denote adequate self-perception and self-assessment as well as a high level of satisfaction with body shape and appearance in the group of non-bulimic females. Additionally, a certain tendency was detected: the females desired (ideal) body is thinner than their current body shape, which is proved by the mean BMI index value of 20.16 and the mean value of 3.63 for the ideal self in

unconnected and blurred).

childlike body image".

adequate (conforming to the norm) body schema complexity.

Legend

Bulimic Type I –a socio-cultural type

Bulimic Type II – a separation type

Type III- an adequate (normal) type

A Figure Test devised by Thompson and Gray (Contour drawing Rating Scale): Ideal self B, Real self A, Thompson's Test: body weight satisfaction, body shape satisfaction, satisfaction with physical appearance, Thematic Drawing (scaling the figure up or down)

Garner's Eating Disorder Inventory – Body Dissatisfaction, Interoceptive Deficits and Maturity Fear.

Fig. 1. A graphic illustration of cluster analysis conducted using the k-means method. Specification of significant differences regarding the strength level for the body self characteristics between the bulimic subjects (Type I and Type II) and the examined females revealing no mental disturbances or eating disorders (Type III).

#### **5.1 Psychological assessment of the body schema and body boundaries dysfunctions in women suffering from bulimia nervosa and in females exhibiting no eating disorders or mental disturbances**

The indicators of the body schema and body boundaries among the examined females were examined using a projective technique, i.e. thematic drawing: "body image". Formal and structural analysis of the drawings focused on the characteristics of the body portrayal which included such aspects as: the size adequacy of the depicted figures (the tendency towards scaling the figures up or down; maintaining or losing body proportions), the number of details included in the drawing, the pencil stroke, and the kinds of lines drawn by the research subjects. The aforementioned elements were examined by five competent judges (psychologists) on the basis of the following criteria:


A Figure Test devised by Thompson and Gray (Contour drawing Rating Scale): Ideal self B, Real self A,

Garner's Eating Disorder Inventory – Body Dissatisfaction, Interoceptive Deficits and Maturity Fear. Fig. 1. A graphic illustration of cluster analysis conducted using the k-means method. Specification of significant differences regarding the strength level for the body self

characteristics between the bulimic subjects (Type I and Type II) and the examined females

**dysfunctions in women suffering from bulimia nervosa and in females exhibiting no** 

The indicators of the body schema and body boundaries among the examined females were examined using a projective technique, i.e. thematic drawing: "body image". Formal and structural analysis of the drawings focused on the characteristics of the body portrayal which included such aspects as: the size adequacy of the depicted figures (the tendency towards scaling the figures up or down; maintaining or losing body proportions), the number of details included in the drawing, the pencil stroke, and the kinds of lines drawn by the research subjects. The aforementioned elements were examined by five competent



Thompson's Test: body weight satisfaction, body shape satisfaction, satisfaction with physical

**5.1 Psychological assessment of the body schema and body boundaries** 

appearance, Thematic Drawing (scaling the figure up or down)

**eating disorders or mental disturbances** 

outlined),

revealing no mental disturbances or eating disorders (Type III).

judges (psychologists) on the basis of the following criteria:

of which are proportional and appropriately outlined),

Legend

Bulimic Type I –a socio-cultural type Bulimic Type II – a separation type Type III- an adequate (normal) type


The data gathered in the whole sample of 102 females (i.e. the women suffering from bulimia nervosa as well as the individuals exhibiting no eating disorders or mental disturbances) did not reveal any significant dysfunctions in terms of the body schema or body boundaries in any of the examined subjects. The mean values concerning the presence or absence of the major body parts in the participants' drawings turned out to be high or average in the majority of the examined females, which demonstrates the individuals' adequate (conforming to the norm) body schema complexity.

Cluster analysis of the data collected in the whole population of 102 females discovered that the subjects not suffering from bulimia nervosa (who comprised Cluster No. III) maintained a proper body schema and body boundaries. The individuals in this cluster did not present any distorted figures in their body drawings (the mean value for scaling the figures up and down reached 0.7). The bodies sketched by the females did not miss any parts, all of which were properly attached to the depicted figures (head featuring eyes, mouth, nose, hair; sharply drawn arms and legs with thighs and feet, connected to the body trunk). The mean values for the body proportions shown in the participants' drawings prove that the women in cluster No. III, maintained body proportions in their drawings: the proportion of arms to trunk, legs to trunk, and head to trunk. A sharp pencil stroke dominating in the drawings (the mean value = 0.84) as well as the so called average unbroken line (the mean value = 0.53) demonstrate maintained body boundaries. Cluster No. III was predominated by the females whose mean age was 23, and their average body weight reached 55.7 kg, at which level their BMI was 20.16 (within the normal range). Analysis of the mean values for the level of the women's satisfaction with their own body, its weight, shape and general physical appearance, points to the subjects' average (adequate) level of body acceptance and appearance satisfaction. The mean values in the "Body dissatisfaction" scale as well as those obtained as a result of Thompson's Figure Test also denote a high level of satisfaction with body shape and appearance among the females in cluster No. III. The mean values for evaluation of the current self image ("what I look like") and the ideal one ("what I would like to look like"), reaching the value of 3.95 and 3.63 respectively, also indicate adequacy in perceiving and experiencing body in this group of examined females. This in turn points to adequate (positive) self-assessment, as well as to one's own body satisfaction. A low mean value of 2.74 in the "Interoceptive awareness" scale (the EDI inventory) points to the fact that the non-bulimic subjects maintain a highly adequate ability to recognize and respond to the occurring emotional states and body sensations. It can also indicate that the women are able to accept and experience the feelings regarding the body, and they do not make any discrediting intellectual evaluation. The mean value of 4.58 in the"Maturity fear" scale (the EDI inventory) indicates a low level of emotional discreditation of body among the examined females. It also proves that they fully accept their body sexuality and transition into adult life, which is accompanied by mental acceptance of "farewell to childhood and childlike body image".

Summing up, the data obtained as a result of this research denote adequate self-perception and self-assessment as well as a high level of satisfaction with body shape and appearance in the group of non-bulimic females. Additionally, a certain tendency was detected: the females desired (ideal) body is thinner than their current body shape, which is proved by the mean BMI index value of 20.16 and the mean value of 3.63 for the ideal self in

A Psychological Profile of the Body Self Characteristics in Women Suffering from Bulimia Nervosa 159

person's life) function of the body which is not disturbed in women. With age, the knowledge concerning the body, related to developmental mechanisms and social influence, becomes more profound, which is accompanied by adequate body size perception. During adolescence, a distinct emotional attitude towards the body is shaped, and appearance proves to have increasingly significant influence on the person's self-assessment and selfesteem. The research subjects were young females in late adolescence, the final stage of development. This may provide an explanation for the trunk-legs or trunk-head disproportion noticed in the figures drawn by the subjects suffering from bulimia nervosa. The characteristic feature of their figure portrayals was the tendency towards scaling up the trunk which did not stay in proportion with the legs and head that were reduced in size. It can be presumed that the disproportions of body parts result from distorted body perception, which an individual develops in the course of his or her psychological development, as well as from the person's emotional experience regarding the body and his or her emotional attitude towards physical appearance, which is shaped during adolescence. As a result of psychosexual development occurring during the period of adolescence, the level of concern regarding body image increases. This, when coupled with social pressure concerning the body, may either stimulate development of proper characteristics of body

**5.2 Cognitive and emotional characteristics of the body self (i.e. emotions regarding** 

**comparative analysis aimed at investigating the main differences between the bulimic subjects and the females exhibiting no mental disturbances or eating disorders**  Statistical comparative analysis conducted using a student's t-test revealed significant differences between the examined women suffering from bulimia nervosa (N=52) and the nonbulimic subjects (N=50) in terms of such characteristics of the body self structure as the quality of emotions regarding the body, overall body self-assessment, perception of body image (both current and ideal appearance), recognizing bodily sensations (i.e. the deficits in interoceptive awareness), experiences related to bodily functions (i.e. the level of maturity fear and approval of psychosexual development which is related to the process of entering the stage of maturity, and to body image transformation as well as loss of the sense of childhood security). The mean values for the level of body self-satisfaction, its weight, shape and appearance, obtained in the group of females exhibiting no eating disorders, indicate that the individuals in this cluster express rather positive feelings towards their own body and are satisfied with it. The mean value of 5.33 for the level of body dissatisfaction, received in the EDI inventory, as well as the mean values for body shape satisfaction (1.59), weight satisfaction (0.95) and appearance satisfaction (1.04), obtained in Thompson's silhouette test proved to be low, which suggests that the examined females in this sample do not exhibit any disturbances

The research results obtained in the group of females suffering from bulimia nervosa turned out to be significantly different. Analysis of the data collected in this sample revealed pathological (excessive) increase in the level of dissatisfaction with body, its shape and physical appearance. It is proved by the mean value of 23.06, obtained in the "Body dissatisfaction" scale (the EDI test), as well as by the mean values for body shape dissatisfaction (9.09), weight dissatisfaction (8.83) and appearance dissatisfaction (9.34), received in Thompson's silhouette test. The statistical significance of the differences between the bulimic and non-bulimic research subjects turned out to be considerably high (p=0.001).

**the body, interoceptive awareness, body perception and self-assessment) –** 

image, or trigger its pathological distortions in bulimia sufferers.

regarding their emotional body experience or cognitive body image.

Thompson's Figure Test. It appears that although the women would like to have a slimmer body, and seem to be rather dissatisfied with their real body image, their body self is not pathologically distorted. It might suggest the influence of the socio-cultural cult of thinness. However, the level of the examined women's mental maturity, their biological age (they constitute the oldest sample, compared with the other two clusters), and lack of emotional deficits or traumatic experience (especially in relationships with care-givers) can prove that they do not exhibit any symptoms of increased separation anxiety which usually impedes the separation-individuation process. The observed finding can be underpinned by the object relations theory which suggests that the quality of the infant's early relationship with a primary caregiver (an object) affects the individual's further development. According to the approach represented by Bruch, Mahler, Clein or Kruger, the mother's empathic resonance with the infant's internal experience allows the formation of the infant's primary body self, that is, a system of early bodily sensations, which in turn is a prerequisite for the further emergence of a sense of self and body boundaries that allow to differentiate self from non-self [Krueger]. The interview data prove that the examined females in cluster No.III did not experience any emotional deficits or psychic traumas in relationships with their mothers. Moreover, the subjects did not report any facts in their lives which could determine development of traumas in their interpersonal relationships (e.g. physical, sexual or mental abuse). Their biological age points to the fact that the women have already completed the process of separation, they have managed to shape their personal, social identity and the ability to establish a partner relationship based on a strong (emotional, sexual) bond. The females tend to yield to social pressure related to the "cult of thinness" and comply with the standards of attractiveness, which seems to affect the evolution of their body image. However, the socio-cultural factors are not strong enough to impede development of their female identity and thereby lead to pathological distortions of body image in the examined women.

Statistical analysis of the data obtained as a result of a Student's t-test demonstrates significant differences between the healthy females (Type III) and the bulimic subjects (Type I and Type II) in terms of body proportions in their figure drawings. Certain pathological tendencies were observed among the females suffering from bulimia nervosa. Significant disproportion of body parts (e.g. trunk-legs or trunk-head disproportion) was noticed in the figures drawn by the bulimic individuals. Additionally, certain body parts which they included in their drawings (e.g. stomach, hips, and breast) turned out to be excessively scaled up. The figure test was also applied by such researchers as Marike Tiggemann, Kevin Thompson, David Garner and Thomas Cash.

The research results described in the subject literature prove that body image dissatisfaction refers to certain attributes of physical appearance, predominantly to body shape and weight, as well as face, hair, stomach or breast. The data provided in Polish professional literature [8, 9, 11] indicate that women suffering from eating disorders show excessive (pathological) concern with the aforementioned body parts, and they tend to overestimate the influence of the specified body parts on their global self-assessment, and consequently discredit their bodies, and lower their self-esteem Excessive focus on body, and its negative evaluation constitute the major factors determining development of eating disorders, as it was pointed out by Cash [Cash, Pruzinsky, Thompson, Garner]. Lack of significant differences between the examined females comprising the three clusters, in terms of major body schema indicators seems to be justifiable since the body schema and the ability to recognize body boundaries are considered to be the primary (developed in the first two years of the

Thompson's Figure Test. It appears that although the women would like to have a slimmer body, and seem to be rather dissatisfied with their real body image, their body self is not pathologically distorted. It might suggest the influence of the socio-cultural cult of thinness. However, the level of the examined women's mental maturity, their biological age (they constitute the oldest sample, compared with the other two clusters), and lack of emotional deficits or traumatic experience (especially in relationships with care-givers) can prove that they do not exhibit any symptoms of increased separation anxiety which usually impedes the separation-individuation process. The observed finding can be underpinned by the object relations theory which suggests that the quality of the infant's early relationship with a primary caregiver (an object) affects the individual's further development. According to the approach represented by Bruch, Mahler, Clein or Kruger, the mother's empathic resonance with the infant's internal experience allows the formation of the infant's primary body self, that is, a system of early bodily sensations, which in turn is a prerequisite for the further emergence of a sense of self and body boundaries that allow to differentiate self from non-self [Krueger]. The interview data prove that the examined females in cluster No.III did not experience any emotional deficits or psychic traumas in relationships with their mothers. Moreover, the subjects did not report any facts in their lives which could determine development of traumas in their interpersonal relationships (e.g. physical, sexual or mental abuse). Their biological age points to the fact that the women have already completed the process of separation, they have managed to shape their personal, social identity and the ability to establish a partner relationship based on a strong (emotional, sexual) bond. The females tend to yield to social pressure related to the "cult of thinness" and comply with the standards of attractiveness, which seems to affect the evolution of their body image. However, the socio-cultural factors are not strong enough to impede development of their female identity and thereby lead to pathological distortions of body

Statistical analysis of the data obtained as a result of a Student's t-test demonstrates significant differences between the healthy females (Type III) and the bulimic subjects (Type I and Type II) in terms of body proportions in their figure drawings. Certain pathological tendencies were observed among the females suffering from bulimia nervosa. Significant disproportion of body parts (e.g. trunk-legs or trunk-head disproportion) was noticed in the figures drawn by the bulimic individuals. Additionally, certain body parts which they included in their drawings (e.g. stomach, hips, and breast) turned out to be excessively scaled up. The figure test was also applied by such researchers as Marike Tiggemann, Kevin

The research results described in the subject literature prove that body image dissatisfaction refers to certain attributes of physical appearance, predominantly to body shape and weight, as well as face, hair, stomach or breast. The data provided in Polish professional literature [8, 9, 11] indicate that women suffering from eating disorders show excessive (pathological) concern with the aforementioned body parts, and they tend to overestimate the influence of the specified body parts on their global self-assessment, and consequently discredit their bodies, and lower their self-esteem Excessive focus on body, and its negative evaluation constitute the major factors determining development of eating disorders, as it was pointed out by Cash [Cash, Pruzinsky, Thompson, Garner]. Lack of significant differences between the examined females comprising the three clusters, in terms of major body schema indicators seems to be justifiable since the body schema and the ability to recognize body boundaries are considered to be the primary (developed in the first two years of the

image in the examined women.

Thompson, David Garner and Thomas Cash.

person's life) function of the body which is not disturbed in women. With age, the knowledge concerning the body, related to developmental mechanisms and social influence, becomes more profound, which is accompanied by adequate body size perception. During adolescence, a distinct emotional attitude towards the body is shaped, and appearance proves to have increasingly significant influence on the person's self-assessment and selfesteem. The research subjects were young females in late adolescence, the final stage of development. This may provide an explanation for the trunk-legs or trunk-head disproportion noticed in the figures drawn by the subjects suffering from bulimia nervosa. The characteristic feature of their figure portrayals was the tendency towards scaling up the trunk which did not stay in proportion with the legs and head that were reduced in size. It can be presumed that the disproportions of body parts result from distorted body perception, which an individual develops in the course of his or her psychological development, as well as from the person's emotional experience regarding the body and his or her emotional attitude towards physical appearance, which is shaped during adolescence. As a result of psychosexual development occurring during the period of adolescence, the level of concern regarding body image increases. This, when coupled with social pressure concerning the body, may either stimulate development of proper characteristics of body image, or trigger its pathological distortions in bulimia sufferers.

#### **5.2 Cognitive and emotional characteristics of the body self (i.e. emotions regarding the body, interoceptive awareness, body perception and self-assessment) – comparative analysis aimed at investigating the main differences between the bulimic subjects and the females exhibiting no mental disturbances or eating disorders**

Statistical comparative analysis conducted using a student's t-test revealed significant differences between the examined women suffering from bulimia nervosa (N=52) and the nonbulimic subjects (N=50) in terms of such characteristics of the body self structure as the quality of emotions regarding the body, overall body self-assessment, perception of body image (both current and ideal appearance), recognizing bodily sensations (i.e. the deficits in interoceptive awareness), experiences related to bodily functions (i.e. the level of maturity fear and approval of psychosexual development which is related to the process of entering the stage of maturity, and to body image transformation as well as loss of the sense of childhood security).

The mean values for the level of body self-satisfaction, its weight, shape and appearance, obtained in the group of females exhibiting no eating disorders, indicate that the individuals in this cluster express rather positive feelings towards their own body and are satisfied with it. The mean value of 5.33 for the level of body dissatisfaction, received in the EDI inventory, as well as the mean values for body shape satisfaction (1.59), weight satisfaction (0.95) and appearance satisfaction (1.04), obtained in Thompson's silhouette test proved to be low, which suggests that the examined females in this sample do not exhibit any disturbances regarding their emotional body experience or cognitive body image.

The research results obtained in the group of females suffering from bulimia nervosa turned out to be significantly different. Analysis of the data collected in this sample revealed pathological (excessive) increase in the level of dissatisfaction with body, its shape and physical appearance. It is proved by the mean value of 23.06, obtained in the "Body dissatisfaction" scale (the EDI test), as well as by the mean values for body shape dissatisfaction (9.09), weight dissatisfaction (8.83) and appearance dissatisfaction (9.34), received in Thompson's silhouette test. The statistical significance of the differences between the bulimic and non-bulimic research subjects turned out to be considerably high (p=0.001).

A Psychological Profile of the Body Self Characteristics in Women Suffering from Bulimia Nervosa 161

distortions in cognitive body image, which is a distinguishing characteristic of body perception among individuals suffering from eating disorders, as was proved by the results of

Other significant differences between bulimic and non-bulimic females were discovered in terms of evaluation of the ideal body image ("what I would like to look like"). The data analysis revealed a tendency among the bulimic females which was dominated by a desire to have a much slimmer figure than their current body shape, which was proved by the mean value of 2.24 for the ideal self image, received in this group of women. This points to the individuals' "desire for slimness". An emaciated body shape turned out to be the image most frequently selected by the bulimic females in Thompson's Figure Test to represent their desired (ideal) body figure. A similar tendency is generally observed among anorectic individuals. The significant discrepancy between the current and ideal body image in the group of women suffering from anorexia nervosa may correlate with the fear of gaining

research conducted by Thompson and Cash [Cash, Pruzinsky, Thompson, Altabe].

weight, that is, fat phobia, which has been described in subject literature [Wilson].

**body self in the sample of females suffering from bulimia nervosa** 

Dissatisfaction Inventory as well as in Thompson and Gray's Figure test:

2.29; Type II: current self- image = 6.00, ideal self- image = 2.17.

individuals who haven't completed the separation-individuation process yet.

Type I = 8.89, Type II = 16.78;

satisfaction: Type I = 9.89, Type II = 8.62;

**5.3 Intra-group differences in terms of cognitive and emotional characteristics of the** 

Statistical analysis of the research data, conducted using a student's t-test (for two independent samples) revealed certain statistically significant differences between the examined females classified into the bulimic Type I and Type II. The following statistically different mean values were received in the EDI inventory, in Thompson's Body




The received data point to a considerably higher level of developmental dysfunctions and distortions in terms of body perception and emotions regarding the body in the subsample of bulimic females constituting Type II (the so called separation type). The subsample defined as Type I (socio-cultural) comprised 26 individuals who appeared to be slightly younger. A mean age in this group was 21 and 2 months. The females' average body weight was 54.5 kg, and a mean BMI in the investigated subsample reached the value of 19.38 (the lower limit of the norm). The real self-image score of 5.54, obtained in Thompson's silhouette test, proves that the bulimic females (Type I) have a realistic and adequate perception of their body. However, the man value of 2.29 for the ideal self rating, received in Thompson's figure test, points to the women's strong desire for an ideal body shape. This might mean that the need to yield to socio-cultural pressure related to the "cult of thinness" appears to be stronger among younger

The subsample of bulimic females classified into Type II (the separation type) was constituted by 23 individuals whose mean age was 22.6, average body weight was 56 kg, and a mean BMI in the investigated group reached the value of 20.32. During the clinical interview, it was discovered that the women had experienced emotional deficits and psychic traumas in their lives. The majority of the subjects in the sample reported childhood psychic traumas and

The bulimia sufferers have been identified as having a decidedly higher, compared with the sample of healthy females, incidence of negative emotions regarding the body, and they reveal a higher level of body image dissatisfaction. The received finding seems to correlate positively with increased fear of gaining weight (the so called fat phobia) among the bulimic females. Low self-esteem and lack of body acceptance among bulimia sufferers, as well as their compensatory behaviours aimed at gaining the "perfect body" appear to have their roots in the fear of being fat, described in the subject literature [43], and regarded as a factor determining the onset of the eating disorder.

Analysis of the mean values for the level of interoceptive deficits regarding one's own body demonstrated statistically significant differences between the two groups of examined women. The mean value obtained by the bulimic subjects in the EDI test proved to be high (=16.55), which points to the females' high degree of discreditation of emotions regarding their own body. It indicates that instead of being experienced, their emotions undergo intellectual evaluation aimed at checking whether they are well-grounded, desired and justified. The low mean value of 2.74, received in the control population, indicates a properly maintained ability to deal with and accept positive and negative emotions regarding one's own body.

The mean values in the "Maturity fear" scale (the EDI inventory), obtained in the control population and in the clinical sample, as well as the data obtained as a result of statistical significance analysis conducted using a student's t-test reveal a considerable discrepancy between the two groups of examined females. The mean value of 12.45 for the level of maturity fear, obtained in the group of bulimic subjects, denotes the women's strong desire for being younger and regaining childhood security. It also proves the subjects' conviction that the requirements set during the period of maturity are too high. Whereas the low mean value of 4.58 in this scale, obtained in the sample of females exhibiting no eating disorders, can be interpreted as a low level of maturity fear among the individuals, and it indicates a high level of acceptance of psychosexual development and mental transition to the stage of maturity, that is, acceptance of feelings regarding the body and sexual functions of the body. Analysis of the data obtained as a result of Thompson's Figure Test, aimed at examining the current self image ("what I look like") and the ideal one ("what I would like to look like"), revealed statistically significant differences between the bulimic and non-bulimic subjects. It was found that when evaluating their actual body image, the examined females in the control group tended to select the figure which most resembled their own body shape and weight (the average body weight in this group reached 55.7 kg, at which level the females' BMI was 20.16). The image they frequently opted for in Thompson's Figure Test was the so called slim silhouette to which a mean value of 3.95 was assigned. This indicates adequacy in perceiving body image. Whereas analysis of the data gathered in the group of females suffering from bulimia nervosa, who were close in age to the non-bulimic subjects, discovered that they perceive their bodies as fatter than they really are. A considerable discrepancy was revealed between the bulimic females' mean value for the current self rating (5.75) and the women's average body weight (55.43 kg) and BMI index value (19.81). It is surprising that although the mean values concerning body weight and BMI index were similar in the two groups of the examined females, the bulimia sufferers tended to exhibit distortions in perception of their current body image. It can be concluded that although the bulimic individuals weighed less than the healthy subjects, they tended to perceive their bodies as much fatter than they really were. The image they most frequently chose in Thompson's Figure Test to evaluate their current body image was a silhouette much fatter than their actual body. This seems to point to

The bulimia sufferers have been identified as having a decidedly higher, compared with the sample of healthy females, incidence of negative emotions regarding the body, and they reveal a higher level of body image dissatisfaction. The received finding seems to correlate positively with increased fear of gaining weight (the so called fat phobia) among the bulimic females. Low self-esteem and lack of body acceptance among bulimia sufferers, as well as their compensatory behaviours aimed at gaining the "perfect body" appear to have their roots in the fear of being fat, described in the subject literature [43], and regarded as a factor

Analysis of the mean values for the level of interoceptive deficits regarding one's own body demonstrated statistically significant differences between the two groups of examined women. The mean value obtained by the bulimic subjects in the EDI test proved to be high (=16.55), which points to the females' high degree of discreditation of emotions regarding their own body. It indicates that instead of being experienced, their emotions undergo intellectual evaluation aimed at checking whether they are well-grounded, desired and justified. The low mean value of 2.74, received in the control population, indicates a properly maintained ability to deal with and accept positive and negative emotions

The mean values in the "Maturity fear" scale (the EDI inventory), obtained in the control population and in the clinical sample, as well as the data obtained as a result of statistical significance analysis conducted using a student's t-test reveal a considerable discrepancy between the two groups of examined females. The mean value of 12.45 for the level of maturity fear, obtained in the group of bulimic subjects, denotes the women's strong desire for being younger and regaining childhood security. It also proves the subjects' conviction that the requirements set during the period of maturity are too high. Whereas the low mean value of 4.58 in this scale, obtained in the sample of females exhibiting no eating disorders, can be interpreted as a low level of maturity fear among the individuals, and it indicates a high level of acceptance of psychosexual development and mental transition to the stage of maturity, that is, acceptance of feelings regarding the body and sexual functions of the body. Analysis of the data obtained as a result of Thompson's Figure Test, aimed at examining the current self image ("what I look like") and the ideal one ("what I would like to look like"), revealed statistically significant differences between the bulimic and non-bulimic subjects. It was found that when evaluating their actual body image, the examined females in the control group tended to select the figure which most resembled their own body shape and weight (the average body weight in this group reached 55.7 kg, at which level the females' BMI was 20.16). The image they frequently opted for in Thompson's Figure Test was the so called slim silhouette to which a mean value of 3.95 was assigned. This indicates adequacy in perceiving body image. Whereas analysis of the data gathered in the group of females suffering from bulimia nervosa, who were close in age to the non-bulimic subjects, discovered that they perceive their bodies as fatter than they really are. A considerable discrepancy was revealed between the bulimic females' mean value for the current self rating (5.75) and the women's average body weight (55.43 kg) and BMI index value (19.81). It is surprising that although the mean values concerning body weight and BMI index were similar in the two groups of the examined females, the bulimia sufferers tended to exhibit distortions in perception of their current body image. It can be concluded that although the bulimic individuals weighed less than the healthy subjects, they tended to perceive their bodies as much fatter than they really were. The image they most frequently chose in Thompson's Figure Test to evaluate their current body image was a silhouette much fatter than their actual body. This seems to point to

determining the onset of the eating disorder.

regarding one's own body.

distortions in cognitive body image, which is a distinguishing characteristic of body perception among individuals suffering from eating disorders, as was proved by the results of research conducted by Thompson and Cash [Cash, Pruzinsky, Thompson, Altabe].

Other significant differences between bulimic and non-bulimic females were discovered in terms of evaluation of the ideal body image ("what I would like to look like"). The data analysis revealed a tendency among the bulimic females which was dominated by a desire to have a much slimmer figure than their current body shape, which was proved by the mean value of 2.24 for the ideal self image, received in this group of women. This points to the individuals' "desire for slimness". An emaciated body shape turned out to be the image most frequently selected by the bulimic females in Thompson's Figure Test to represent their desired (ideal) body figure. A similar tendency is generally observed among anorectic individuals. The significant discrepancy between the current and ideal body image in the group of women suffering from anorexia nervosa may correlate with the fear of gaining weight, that is, fat phobia, which has been described in subject literature [Wilson].

#### **5.3 Intra-group differences in terms of cognitive and emotional characteristics of the body self in the sample of females suffering from bulimia nervosa**

Statistical analysis of the research data, conducted using a student's t-test (for two independent samples) revealed certain statistically significant differences between the examined females classified into the bulimic Type I and Type II. The following statistically different mean values were received in the EDI inventory, in Thompson's Body Dissatisfaction Inventory as well as in Thompson and Gray's Figure test:


The received data point to a considerably higher level of developmental dysfunctions and distortions in terms of body perception and emotions regarding the body in the subsample of bulimic females constituting Type II (the so called separation type). The subsample defined as Type I (socio-cultural) comprised 26 individuals who appeared to be slightly younger. A mean age in this group was 21 and 2 months. The females' average body weight was 54.5 kg, and a mean BMI in the investigated subsample reached the value of 19.38 (the lower limit of the norm). The real self-image score of 5.54, obtained in Thompson's silhouette test, proves that the bulimic females (Type I) have a realistic and adequate perception of their body. However, the man value of 2.29 for the ideal self rating, received in Thompson's figure test, points to the women's strong desire for an ideal body shape. This might mean that the need to yield to socio-cultural pressure related to the "cult of thinness" appears to be stronger among younger individuals who haven't completed the separation-individuation process yet.

The subsample of bulimic females classified into Type II (the separation type) was constituted by 23 individuals whose mean age was 22.6, average body weight was 56 kg, and a mean BMI in the investigated group reached the value of 20.32. During the clinical interview, it was discovered that the women had experienced emotional deficits and psychic traumas in their lives. The majority of the subjects in the sample reported childhood psychic traumas and

A Psychological Profile of the Body Self Characteristics in Women Suffering from Bulimia Nervosa 163

experience appeared to be the factor determining this diversity. It was found that some of the examined females had experienced emotional traumas which affected their psychological development. As a consequence of inadequate separation and individuation process, the examined individuals appear to exhibit considerable dysfunctions of the body self, and they will probably need long-term and multi-dimensional (psychological and medical) treatment. This group of bulimic females was referred to as bulimic Type II, the so called separation type. It was comprised of 23 subjects diagnosed with bulimia nervosa, whose mean age was 22 and 6 months. A diagnosis of the body self characteristics in this sample revealed significant dysfunctions in terms of all components of the body self structure. The main features that characterize this group of women include: strong emotional and cognitive disapproval of the current body image (i.e. body dissatisfaction and critical body self-assessment); a low level of interoceptive awareness of the body; and a discrepancy between the real and ideal self-image, accompanied by a tendency towards gaining an ideal emaciated figure which does not conform to the developmental norms. The subsample is predominated by females who have been experiencing increased separation anxiety, and at the same time they tend to completely discredit their bodies. The mean values for the level of body acceptance and experiencing emotions regarding the body, obtained in this group of the examined females, denote the individuals' strong tendency towards cognitive and emotional devaluation of the body. The mean values for the current and the ideal self rating, received in Thompson's Figure Test, point to a significant discrepancy between the two aspects. It can be concluded that the females' distorted perception of the actual body image, as well as their increased (pathological) perplexity and difficulties in recognizing and responding to emotional states and body sensations prove that the women exhibit certain dysfunctions of one of the body self components, i.e. interoceptive awareness. It is worth mentioning that the mean age and BMI values obtained in the group of bulimics classified into Type II conform to the age-appropriate norms. The question arises as to whether it is possible to provide an explanation for the fact that the females who exhibit a high degree of the body self dysfunctions have a normal body weight. The received data indicate that at the time of the research, the examined individuals in question had been participating in long term treatment for at least 12 months, and remained under regular medical supervision (e.g. they had been undergoing medical tests and were provided with medical and psychotherapeutic consultations), which was an obligation imposed by their therapeutic contracts. Hence, it can be concluded that the females' normal (adequate) body weight acts as "camouflage" or a "cover" for the considerable body self dysfunctions which they exhibit. This points to the existence of certain destructive psychological mechanisms aimed at camouflaging negative emotions regarding the body as well as cognitive body distortions. It appears that the individuals who enter nto a therapeutic contract try to observe its stipulations by maintaining an adequate body weight, but they still exhibit disturbances in their emotional and cognitive attitude towards the body. It is likely that the women's subordination is feigned, and they only pretend that they participate in the process of treatment. This might suggest that a long term and intensive psychotherapy aimed at eliminating body image distortions is an indispensable element of effective (not superficial) treatment of eating disorders. The childhood and adolescent relational (sexual) traumas reported by the examined females point to the necessity of introducing the treatment methods which would focus on dealing with psychological separation and individuation, and the

problems related to the process of experiencing the body.

Another type of psychological profile distinguished among the examined females was defined as Type II – socio-cultural. It prevailed in the group of slightly older research

emotional deficits (e.g. physical or sexual abuse, some individuals were abandoned by significant objects – parents). As opposed to the females constituting the bulimic Type I, the individuals classified into Type II reported that their bulimic symptoms occurred in the early stages of the disease, and were preceded by several years of food restriction.

According to the information gathered during the clinical interview, the earliest onset of bulimia nervosa among the examined females classified into the separation Type II occurred shortly before they undertook treatment, having been self-motivated and encouraged by their family members. Remaining under medical supervision, the bulimics were able to control the cycles of binge eating and purging, and to reduce the frequency of the compensatory behaviours. The present findings seem to be consistent with other research investigating the role of trauma symptoms (especially sexual trauma experienced during childhood) in the development of eating disorders , which has been described in the subject literature [Rorty, Yager, Rossotto, Kent, Waller, Dagnan, Hartt]. Although the conducted studies do not provide evidence for a high correlation between childhood sexual trauma and the development of bulimia nervosa, they demonstrate that such traumatic experience is likely to increase the incidence of eating disorders, especially bulimia nervosa. According to the assumptions of the object relations theory, the real mother-child relationships are internalized during childhood, and provide a foundation for the emergence of personality and the ego identity [Tyson]. The mean values received in the EDI inventory, in Thompson's Body Dissatisfaction Inventory as well as in Thompson and Gray's Figure Test, obtained in the subsample of females constituting the bulimic Type II, indicate that the individuals exhibit a strong tendency towards emotional and cognitive devaluation of the body. The socio-cultural pressure related to the "cult of thinness" , coupled with growing fear of maturity and adulthood (the mean value of 16.78 in the EDI inventory), as well as incresed separation anxiety, reinforces the examined women's tendency towards discrediting their own bodies, which is stronger than among the bulimic females classified into Type I. A high (pathological) mean value in the "Interoceptive Deficits" scale (the EDI inventory), obtained in this subsample, points to the individuals' inadequate level of interoceptive awareness. It denotes a high degree of perplexity and discreditation of bodily sensations and emotions regarding the body. The data prove that instead of experiencing the emotions regarding their body perception, the examined bulimic females classified into the separation type conduct intellectual evaluation aimed at checking whether the emotions are well-grounded, desired and justified. The psychic mechanism of rationalization which prevails in this group of subjects impedes the individuals' ability to go through direct emotional experience. This finding supports the research conducted by Józefik, which has been described in Polish literature [Józefik]. The so called "bulimic self", as referred to in the subject literature, is reflected in the body self, i.e. it is expressed through body language. The bulimic self represents the primitive need for dependence as well as the need for autonomy and separation, which is manifested through binge eating and self-induced vomiting. These compensatory bahaviours allow an individual to establish his or her own identity, and to separate from a significant object [Sands].

#### **6. A psychological profile and different configurations of the body self components distinguished in the population of females suffering from bulimia nervosa (conclusions drawn from the author's own research)**

The data obtained as a result of this research revealed diversity in terms of the body self characteristics in the examined individuals suffering from bulimia nervosa. The subjects' life

emotional deficits (e.g. physical or sexual abuse, some individuals were abandoned by significant objects – parents). As opposed to the females constituting the bulimic Type I, the individuals classified into Type II reported that their bulimic symptoms occurred in the early

According to the information gathered during the clinical interview, the earliest onset of bulimia nervosa among the examined females classified into the separation Type II occurred shortly before they undertook treatment, having been self-motivated and encouraged by their family members. Remaining under medical supervision, the bulimics were able to control the cycles of binge eating and purging, and to reduce the frequency of the compensatory behaviours. The present findings seem to be consistent with other research investigating the role of trauma symptoms (especially sexual trauma experienced during childhood) in the development of eating disorders , which has been described in the subject literature [Rorty, Yager, Rossotto, Kent, Waller, Dagnan, Hartt]. Although the conducted studies do not provide evidence for a high correlation between childhood sexual trauma and the development of bulimia nervosa, they demonstrate that such traumatic experience is likely to increase the incidence of eating disorders, especially bulimia nervosa. According to the assumptions of the object relations theory, the real mother-child relationships are internalized during childhood, and provide a foundation for the emergence of personality and the ego identity [Tyson]. The mean values received in the EDI inventory, in Thompson's Body Dissatisfaction Inventory as well as in Thompson and Gray's Figure Test, obtained in the subsample of females constituting the bulimic Type II, indicate that the individuals exhibit a strong tendency towards emotional and cognitive devaluation of the body. The socio-cultural pressure related to the "cult of thinness" , coupled with growing fear of maturity and adulthood (the mean value of 16.78 in the EDI inventory), as well as incresed separation anxiety, reinforces the examined women's tendency towards discrediting their own bodies, which is stronger than among the bulimic females classified into Type I. A high (pathological) mean value in the "Interoceptive Deficits" scale (the EDI inventory), obtained in this subsample, points to the individuals' inadequate level of interoceptive awareness. It denotes a high degree of perplexity and discreditation of bodily sensations and emotions regarding the body. The data prove that instead of experiencing the emotions regarding their body perception, the examined bulimic females classified into the separation type conduct intellectual evaluation aimed at checking whether the emotions are well-grounded, desired and justified. The psychic mechanism of rationalization which prevails in this group of subjects impedes the individuals' ability to go through direct emotional experience. This finding supports the research conducted by Józefik, which has been described in Polish literature [Józefik]. The so called "bulimic self", as referred to in the subject literature, is reflected in the body self, i.e. it is expressed through body language. The bulimic self represents the primitive need for dependence as well as the need for autonomy and separation, which is manifested through binge eating and self-induced vomiting. These compensatory bahaviours allow an individual to establish his or her own

stages of the disease, and were preceded by several years of food restriction.

identity, and to separate from a significant object [Sands].

**6. A psychological profile and different configurations of the body self components distinguished in the population of females suffering from bulimia nervosa (conclusions drawn from the author's own research)** 

The data obtained as a result of this research revealed diversity in terms of the body self characteristics in the examined individuals suffering from bulimia nervosa. The subjects' life experience appeared to be the factor determining this diversity. It was found that some of the examined females had experienced emotional traumas which affected their psychological development. As a consequence of inadequate separation and individuation process, the examined individuals appear to exhibit considerable dysfunctions of the body self, and they will probably need long-term and multi-dimensional (psychological and medical) treatment. This group of bulimic females was referred to as bulimic Type II, the so called separation type. It was comprised of 23 subjects diagnosed with bulimia nervosa, whose mean age was 22 and 6 months. A diagnosis of the body self characteristics in this sample revealed significant dysfunctions in terms of all components of the body self structure. The main features that characterize this group of women include: strong emotional and cognitive disapproval of the current body image (i.e. body dissatisfaction and critical body self-assessment); a low level of interoceptive awareness of the body; and a discrepancy between the real and ideal self-image, accompanied by a tendency towards gaining an ideal emaciated figure which does not conform to the developmental norms. The subsample is predominated by females who have been experiencing increased separation anxiety, and at the same time they tend to completely discredit their bodies. The mean values for the level of body acceptance and experiencing emotions regarding the body, obtained in this group of the examined females, denote the individuals' strong tendency towards cognitive and emotional devaluation of the body. The mean values for the current and the ideal self rating, received in Thompson's Figure Test, point to a significant discrepancy between the two aspects. It can be concluded that the females' distorted perception of the actual body image, as well as their increased (pathological) perplexity and difficulties in recognizing and responding to emotional states and body sensations prove that the women exhibit certain dysfunctions of one of the body self components, i.e. interoceptive awareness. It is worth mentioning that the mean age and BMI values obtained in the group of bulimics classified into Type II conform to the age-appropriate norms. The question arises as to whether it is possible to provide an explanation for the fact that the females who exhibit a high degree of the body self dysfunctions have a normal body weight. The received data indicate that at the time of the research, the examined individuals in question had been participating in long term treatment for at least 12 months, and remained under regular medical supervision (e.g. they had been undergoing medical tests and were provided with medical and psychotherapeutic consultations), which was an obligation imposed by their therapeutic contracts. Hence, it can be concluded that the females' normal (adequate) body weight acts as "camouflage" or a "cover" for the considerable body self dysfunctions which they exhibit. This points to the existence of certain destructive psychological mechanisms aimed at camouflaging negative emotions regarding the body as well as cognitive body distortions. It appears that the individuals who enter nto a therapeutic contract try to observe its stipulations by maintaining an adequate body weight, but they still exhibit disturbances in their emotional and cognitive attitude towards the body. It is likely that the women's subordination is feigned, and they only pretend that they participate in the process of treatment. This might suggest that a long term and intensive psychotherapy aimed at eliminating body image distortions is an indispensable element of effective (not superficial) treatment of eating disorders. The childhood and adolescent relational (sexual) traumas reported by the examined females point to the necessity of introducing the treatment methods which would focus on dealing with psychological separation and individuation, and the problems related to the process of experiencing the body.

Another type of psychological profile distinguished among the examined females was defined as Type II – socio-cultural. It prevailed in the group of slightly older research

A Psychological Profile of the Body Self Characteristics in Women Suffering from Bulimia Nervosa 165

[3] Lacey, J.H., Evans, C.D.H...The impulsivist: A Multi – Impulsive Personality Disorder.

[4] Thompson J.K. Introduction: body image, eating disorders, and obesity – an emerging

[5] Cash, T. F., Pruzinsky T. Body image. A Handbook of Theory, Research and Clinical

[6] Thompson J.K. (2004) Handboock of Disorders and Obesity. John Wiley/Sons, Inc.5, 6,],

[7] Garner D.M.EDI -3.Eating Disorders Inventory-3. Psychological Assessment Resources,

[8] Józefik B. Relacje rodzinne w anoreksji i bulimii psychicznej. Kraków: Wydawnictwo

[9] Józefik B. Anoreksja i bulimia psychiczna. Rozumienie i leczenie zaburzeń odżywiania

[10] Głębocka A, Kulbat J., Czym jest wizerunek ciała? W: Głębocka A, Kulbat, J, ed. Wizerunek ciała: Portret Polek. Opole: Wydawnictwo UO; 2005, pp. 9-28. [11] Rabe-Jabłońska J, Dunajska A. Poglądy na temat zniekształconego obrazu ciała dla

[13] Schier K. Piękne brzydactwo. Psychologiczna problematyka obrazu ciała i jego

[14] Izydorczyk B. Rybicka-Klimczyk A. Poznawcze aspekty obrazu ciała u kobiet a

[15] Izydorczyk B, Bieńkowska N. Obraz ja cielesnego - wybrane teoretyczne wątki

[16] Izydorczyk B., Bieńkowska N. Obraz ja cielesnego - wybrane teoretyczne wątki

[17] Izydorczyk B., Rybicka-Klimczyk A. Środki masowego przekazu i ich rola w

[19] Lowen A. Narcyzm. Zaprzeczenie prawdziwemu ja. Warszawa Jacek Santorski, 1995.

[21] Tyson P, Tyson R. Psychoanalytic Theories of Development and integration. Yale

[23] Sugarman A. Bulimia: A. Displacement from Psychological Self to Body Self. In: J.

[24] Sands S. Bulimia. Dissociation and Empathy: A Self-Psychological View. In: J. Craig

Craig. Psychodynamic Treatment of Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia. London. The

Psychodynamic Treatment of Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia. London. The

[20] Pervin L.A.(2002) Pojęcie Ja W: Psychologia osobowości.Gdańsk GWP,2002

powstawania i przebiegu zaburzeń odżywiania. Psychiatria Polska. 1997; 6: pp.723-738 [12]Mikołajczyk E. Samochowiec J. Cechy osobowości u pacjentek z zaburzeniami

zaburzenia odżywiania. Endokrynologia Polska. Polish Journal of Endocrinology,

rozumienia psychologicznych mechanizmów zjawiska. Part I Problemy Medycyny

rozumienia psychologicznych mechanizmów zjawiska. Part II. Problemy

kształtowaniu wizerunku ciała u zróżnicowanych wiekiem życia kobiet polskich (analiza badań własnych). Problemy Medycyny Rodzinnej (2009), 3(28), pp.20-30 [18] Krueger D.W. Integrating Body Self and Psychological Self.Creating a New Story in Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy. New York, London, Bruner-Routledge, 2002

się. Kraków: Wydawnictwo UniwersytetuJagiellońskiego,1999

odżywiania. Psychiatria Via Medica 2004; Vol.1, No. 2, pp.91-95

zaburzeń. Warszawa: Wydawnictwo Naukowe Scholar,2009

synthesis. In: Thompson J.K. ed. Body image, eating disorders, and obesity. An integrative guide for assessment and treatment. Washington: American

British Journal of Addition, 2000, 81, pp.641-649

Psychological Association DC; 1996, pp. 1-20.

Uniwersytetu Jagiellońskiego, 2006, pp.33-34

New York: Wiley; 2004, pp. 495-514.

2008, Vol. 60, No. 4/2009,pp.1-8

Rodzinnej, 2008, 4(25), pp.52-63

Medycyny Rodzinnej; 2009, 1(26), pp.59 – 62

University Press. New Haven. London, 1990 [22] Schier K. Bez Tchu i Bez Słowa. Więź psychiczna, 2005

Guilford Press.1991

Guilford Press.1991

Inc .USA; 2004

Practise. New York. London: The Guilford Press; 2004,

subjects. It was discovered that evaluation of body image in this sample is determined by social-cultural factors and the cult of thinness. As a result of examination of the individuals' body self characteristics it was found that although the women do not exhibit any significant developmental dysfunctions (they display an average level of emotional and cognitive body acceptance, appropriate interoceptive awareness and adequate current body perception), they reveal a strong desire for a much slimmer (ideal) body. It is likely that the research data were affected by the fact that the examined females had been undergoing regular medical treatment and psychotherapy. The socio-cultural type is also characterized by an average sense of security related to the process of entering the stage of maturity and accepting "farewell to childhood". The research data demonstrate that the females are aware of their adequate feelings regarding the body, and they are generally satisfied with their actual appearance. However, a certain discrepancy was detected between the individuals' cognitive evaluation of their current body shape ("what I look like") and the so called ideal body image ("what I would like to look like"). This finding might point to slight distortions in the real body image observed in this group of research subjects.
