Analyzing the relation between self-esteem and eating disorders: differential effects of self-liking and self-competence.

Research in the past has demonstrated an association between low self-esteem and eating disorders. Recent research on self-esteem has shown, however, that self-esteem is composed of two distinct factors--self-liking and self-competence. The present study examined the relation between these two self-esteem factors and both eating disorders and eating disturbed cognitions. A total of 51 female participants from a high-risk population were clinically interviewed to identify the eating disorder and administered a series of questionnaires that included a measure of self-liking and self-competence. A strong relationship was found between self-liking and eating disorders, but no relationship was found between self-competence and eating disorders.