Habits are stronger with longer duration of illness and greater severity in anorexia nervosa.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between habit strength and clinical features of anorexia nervosa (AN). Habit strength, separate from intention, relates to the persistence of behavior, and is measured by the Self-Report Habit Index (SRHI). We hypothesized that habit strength would be greater among individuals with AN than healthy controls (HC) and that habit strength would be associated with duration and severity of illness.

Method

Participants were 116 women with AN (n = 69) and HC (n = 47) who completed the SRHI, the Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire (EDE-Q), and a multi-item laboratory meal. The SRHI assessed four domains and these subscales were averaged for the total score.

Results

Individuals with AN demonstrated significan

SUBMITTER: Davis L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7217727 | biostudies-literature | 2020 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature