Problem-solving skills and relationship attributes among women with eating disorders

This study examined interpersonal problem solving, relationship conflict, and social support among women with and without subclinical eating disorders. Thirty-nine women scoring above the clinical cutoff on the Eating Attitudes Test-26 (D. M. Garner & R Garfinkel, 1979) and 39 matched controls completed self-report Relationship Quality, Perceived Social Support, Depression, and Interpersonal Problem Solving inventories. Contrary to predictions, groups did not differ on relationship conflict and social support measures. As hypothesized, disordered eating symptoms were associated with less effective problem solving in eating and weight and interpersonal relationship situations. The discussion focuses on implications for counseling interventions among college women.