Self-criticism is a key predictor of eating disorder dimensions among inpatient adolescent females

Objective: Although the unipolar depression-eating disorder comorbidity is adequately documented, examination of the role of depressive personality styles in eating disorders is relatively scarce. Method: Associations between depressive symptoms, depressive risk and resilience (i.e., dependency, self-criticism, and sense of efficacy), and eating disorder symptoms (as measured by the Eating Disorder Inventory-2) were examined in inpatient adolescent females (N = 81). Results: Self-criticism emerged as independent, robust, and strong predictor of eating disorder symptoms. Conclusion: Patients self-criticism should be targeted in psychotherapy and might serve as an obstacle for successful inpatient treatment. The role of self-derogation in eating disorders should be examined further.