NCJ Number
216588
Journal
Child Abuse & Neglect: The International Journal Volume: 30 Issue: 10 Dated: October 2006 Pages: 1161-1172
Date Published
October 2006
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This study examined the role of dissociation and depression as mediators of the relationship between several forms of childhood trauma and bulimic symptoms (eating disorder), with attention to ethnic differences in these relationships.
Abstract
The study did not find any link between dissociation (disturbances of identity, memory, cognition, and feelings of depersonalization) and emotional abuse after controlling for depression. Depression, on the other hand, was significantly associated with emotional abuse after controlling for dissociation. Emotional abuse was significantly associated with bulimia (binging on and then forced throwing up of food). Emotional abuse and depression together were significantly associated with bulimia after controlling for dissociation; however, emotional abuse became insignificant when entered with depression, indicating that depression mediated the relationship between emotional abuse and bulimic symptoms. There was no distinction in these findings due to ethnic differences. Because these results suggest that depressive symptoms partially account for the relationship between emotional abuse and bulimic symptoms, treatment of depression may contribute to the successful treatment of bulimia in women with a history of childhood trauma. Study participants were 417 female college undergraduates. Trauma history was assessed with the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, and depressive symptoms were measured with the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale. The Dissociative Experiences Scale-II measured dissociative symptoms, and bulimic behaviors were assessed with the Bulimia Test-revised. 3 tables and 44 references