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. 2021 Jul;29(4):548-558.
doi: 10.1002/erv.2826. Epub 2021 Feb 23.

Adding maintaining factors to developmental models of anorexia nervosa: An empirical examination in adolescents

Alba Moreno-Encinas  1 , Montserrat Graell  2 , José Ángel Martínez-Huertas  3 , Mar Faya  2 , Janet Treasure  4 , Ana Rosa Sepúlveda  1
Affiliations

Adding maintaining factors to developmental models of anorexia nervosa: An empirical examination in adolescents

Alba Moreno-Encinas et al. Eur Eat Disord Rev. 2021 Jul.

Abstract

Objective: A biopsychosocial approach has been proposed to explain the pathogenesis of anorexia nervosa (AN), despite only a few of the existing etiological models having received empirical support. The aim of this study was to empirically investigate Herpertz-Dahlmann, Seitz, and Konrad (2011, https://doi.org/10.1007/s00406-011-0246-y)'s developmental model and to consider if interpersonal reactions to the illness might serve as maintaining factors following the model proposed by Treasure and Schmidt (2013, https://doi.org/10.1186/2050-2974-1-13) METHOD: One hundred adolescents and their families were participated in the study: 50 diagnosed with AN, paired by age and parents' socio-economic status with 50 adolescents without a pathology. Biological, psychological and familial variables were assessed using ten questionnaires and a blood analysis test. Additionally, structural equation modeling was conducted to assess two hypothetical models.

Results: The fit of both models was good after the addition of two covariate parameters (e.g., Comparative Fit Index > 0.96 and Tucker-Lewis Index > 0.95). Premorbid traits were linked to body dissatisfaction and to the number of stressful life events; this in turn was linked to AN symptoms. Biological and familial consequences reinforced this pathology.

Conclusions: Our findings provide support for both models, suggesting that inter relationships between bio-psycho-familial variables can influence the course of AN during adolescence.

Keywords: adolescence; anorexia nervosa; developmental model; etiology; maintaining factors; structural equation modeling.

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References

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