The relationship between body image disturbance and coping with stress in patients suffering from anorexia nervosa

The objective of this study was to identify coping strategies that infl uence body attitudes in women with anorexia nervosa (n = 34). We used the BAT, the FRS and the Brief COPE. Coping strategies based on focus on and venting of emotions, positive reframing and seeking instrumental social support were predictive factors for the negative appreciation of body size. Seeking emotional social support, positive reframing and use of instrumental support constituted a risk profi le for development of lack of familiarity with one’s body. Denial, focus on and venting of emotions, seeking instrumental social support positive reframing and humour are predictors of general body dissatisfaction. Emotion-oriented coping had an adverse effect on body attitudes and body experience among patients with anorexia