AN AO2 + AO3

1. Study by Halmi et al

   Annotations:

   • KEY STUDY Supports link between perfectionism and AN. Halmi investigated perfectionism in 322 women with AN history across Europe and USA. Those with AN scored higher on the Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale when compared to healthy women. In addition the extent of the perfectionism was linked to how severe the AN was. This emphasizes the link between Anorexia Nervosa and Perfectionism personality and supports the theory.
   • Another study Halmi conducted was on patients who have relatives who have suffered from AN. They found that perfectionism in this case was a family trait and made represented a genetic vulnerability in that family to developing AN. This shows that not only is there a link between patients with anorexia and perfectionism, also if you have a family who has a perfectionism trait, you're more prone to anorexia. Supporting the theory.
2. Longitudinal study by Nilsson et al

   Annotations:

   • This study highlighted the importance of perfectionism during AN. Those who has AN for a less amount of time were less perfectionists than those with high levels of AN who were more at risk of long term perfectionism. This therefore, supports the link between AN and perfectionism however, perhaps suggest the theory doesn't offer enough detail about the link made.

Annotations:

• Studying AN and perfectionism raises methodological problems. Such as separating long-term personality traits from short-term ones which may be caused by starvation and AN. Furthermore, there has been frequent reliance on clinically diagnosed samples, suggesting perhaps the link between perfectionism and AN is not so common in all patients. This represents a biased view on the relationship between personality and disordered eating.

Annotations:

• Researchers are relying more and more on internet communities as a source of qualitative data relating to AN from those who have suffered from it. This includes, discussion boards, chatrooms and newsgroups. This raised a concern about privacy, informed consent, and confidentiality as well as the harm due because of research to researchers about sufferers of AN. 
• These sort of findings are also not representative. Some things people are putting on discussion boards, or chat rooms may not be true and researchers use this sort of information to support theories claimed. This makes theories and the research unreliable and therefore, might not prove the theory proposed.

Annotations:

• The fashion industry in France has seen the damaging influence of the media on body image by signing a charter of good will. This is the first step in stopping eating disorders and promoting a healthier body image for women. The Charter including, major fashion industries, advertising agencies to use a diversity of body images rather than the "thin ideal". This makes people feel less self concious about their body images and less chance of developing an eating disorder.