Stress, coping style, and problem solving ability among eating-disordered inpatients.

Stress levels, coping style, and problem solving ability among bulimic and anorexic individuals were explored. Bulimics (n = 33) reported a greater number of negative life events and feelings of being pressured than did a non-eating-disordered group. Anorexics (n = 12) reported higher levels of anxiety and depression than the other groups. Both anorexics and bulimics reported higher levels of stress, lower levels of confidence in their ability to solve problems, a tendency to avoid confronting problems, a reluctance to share personal problems, and feelings of being driven. Implications are suggested.