Lynette Evans1, Eleanor H Wertheim. 1. School of Psychological Science, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. l.evans@latrobe.edu.au
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This study explored the relationship between bulimic symptoms and self-disclosure. It examined whether women who reported greater bulimic symptomatology were generally less willing to self-disclose in intimate relationships or whether reluctance to disclose was confined to eating and weight concerns. METHOD: Women with high and low scores on the Bulimia Test Revised (BULIT-R) were compared on self-disclosure about three topics (daily activities, eating, and weight) and sexual and relationship issues to three targets (mother, friend, and partner). RESULTS: There were significant main and interaction effects for BULIT-R score, target, and topic of self-disclosure. When depression was controlled for, it partially explained the association between bulimic behavior and self-disclosure. DISCUSSION: Results supported a contextual model of self-disclosure. Compared with nonbulimic women, women with bulimic symptoms were less willing to self-disclose certain topics to particular targets. Levels of depression explained low willingness to disclose on topics unrelated to eating and weight to some targets. Copyright 2002 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
OBJECTIVE: This study explored the relationship between bulimic symptoms and self-disclosure. It examined whether women who reported greater bulimic symptomatology were generally less willing to self-disclose in intimate relationships or whether reluctance to disclose was confined to eating and weight concerns. METHOD:Women with high and low scores on the Bulimia Test Revised (BULIT-R) were compared on self-disclosure about three topics (daily activities, eating, and weight) and sexual and relationship issues to three targets (mother, friend, and partner). RESULTS: There were significant main and interaction effects for BULIT-R score, target, and topic of self-disclosure. When depression was controlled for, it partially explained the association between bulimic behavior and self-disclosure. DISCUSSION: Results supported a contextual model of self-disclosure. Compared with nonbulimic women, women with bulimic symptoms were less willing to self-disclose certain topics to particular targets. Levels of depression explained low willingness to disclose on topics unrelated to eating and weight to some targets. Copyright 2002 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.