Describe two common personality traits of people with eating disorders.
a.
b.
a. Perfectionism: People with eating disorders often exhibit perfectionistic tendencies. They have a strong desire to strive for an ideal body shape and weight, which can lead to strict rules around food and a relentless pursuit of thinness. Their perfectionism may extend beyond their appearance and also manifest in other areas of their life, such as academics or work.
b. Low self-esteem: Individuals with eating disorders frequently struggle with low self-esteem and a poor body image. They may have a distorted perception of their own body, seeing themselves as overweight or flawed despite evidence to the contrary. This negative self-image can further perpetuate their disordered eating behaviors as they strive to achieve an unrealistic ideal and gain a sense of control over their perceived shortcomings.