Is there a link between traumatic experiences and self-injurious behaviors in eating-disordered patients?

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.