Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa: An Individuation Attempt? The Autonomy, Self-Sufficiency and Control Motive in Eating Disorders

Background: Several theories discuss autonomy, self-sufficiency, and control conflicts in the etiology of eating disorders. Objective: This study examines the insufficiently studied hypothesis of a strong autonomy, self-sufficiency, and control motive in eating disorders. Method: A total sample of 270 participants without and with the eating disorders anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN), binge eating disorder (BED), and remitted eating disorders (REC) completed the Inventory of Approach and Avoidance Motivation (IAAM). Results: Participants with eating disorders reported a stronger autonomy, self-sufficiency, and control motive than participants without eating disorders did. Differences were found in the motives between the various eating disorders. Conclusion: The present findings indicate an association between a pronounced autonomy, self-sufficiency, and control motive and eating disorders, which may be relevant for the therapy of eating disorders.