Role of Psychological Well-Being in Eating Disorder Recovery

Background. While a large body of research has examined eating disorders (EDs) from a pathological perspective, little is known about factors that facilitate the recovery process. Objective. The purpose of the current study is to determine whether six dimensions of psychological well-being (PWB) predict disparate aspects of recovery. Methods. Participants (N = 132; 93.2% female; µBMI = 23.91) with self-reported ED histories completed an online survey. Logistic regression analyses were used to determine whether Ryff's (1989) six dimensions of PWB—autonomy, environmental mastery, positive relations with others, purpose in life, personal growth, and self-acceptance—alongside the ED subtypes participants had been diagnosed with throughout their lives, predict the following three aspects of recovery: 1) whether one subjectively classifies oneself as being fully recovered; 2) whether one meets objective criteria for full or partial recovery; 3) whether one's subjective perception of one's recovery status aligns with one's objective classification. Results. Evidence of multicollinearity prevented the incorporation of all six dimensions of PWB in the regression analyses, apart from self-acceptance and autonomy. Higher levels of self-acceptance were associated with an increased likelihood that participants: 1) subjectively believed that they were fully recovered; 2) met objective criteria for full or partial recovery. Lower levels of self-acceptance were associated with higher odds of accurately perceiving oneself to have an active ED. Conclusions. Self-acceptance upholds a pervasive impact on the recovery process. The necessity of targeting this construct in ED treatment is discussed.