Eating disorders and psychosocial development : an application of Eriksonian theory.

This thesis investigates psychosocial development, with a particular emphasis on Identity
formation, in women sufferers of eating disorders (Anorexia Nervosa &/or Bulimia
Nervosa). It consists of three sections;
Section 1 comprises a literature review. Literature on Identity formation is reviewed,
with a particular emphasis on the work of Erik Erikson. Current understandings of
eating disorders, including those looking at the socio-cultural context, are presented.
Finally, issues pertaining to Identity and to eating disorders are brought together and a
relationship is suggested in which Identity issues act as a mediating factor between
current cultural conditions in Western society and the rising incidence of eating
disorders.
Section 2 comprises the research report. The study is described which was carried out
to investigate the psychosocial development of women suffering from eating disorders.
In particular issues ofIdentity development were addressed. Three control groups were
included in the study - two involving women suffering from psychological distress and
one comprising 'psychologically healthy' women. Levels of psychological distress were
measured using the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI) (Derogatis, 1982). Psychosocial
development was investigated within an Eriksonian framework using the Hawley's
(1988) Measures of Psychosocial Development self-report inventory (MPD). The results
demonstrated that the Eating Disordered group showed significantly poorer outcome on
the majority of the stages of psychosocial development, including greater Identity
confusion and less successful resolution of the Identity 'crisis', according to participants'
self-reports. The Eating Disordered group also reported experiencing greater
psychological distress than all of the control groups.
Section 3; comprises a critical appraisal of the research process. Information is included
on background and practical issues related to carrying out the project as well as
reflections regarding the process and personal impact of the work.