An exploration of the relationship between loneliness, the severity of eating disorder-related symptoms and the experience of the ‘anorexic voice’

Objectives

Many individuals with eating disorders (EDs) report the experience of an ‘Anorexic voice’ (AV). Negative experiences of loneliness are also often associated with EDs. This study sought to explore the relationship between experiences of loneliness, the frequency of the AV and the impact of this on ED symptom severity.

Design

165 individuals (mean age 27.54 years) who accessed online forums relating to EDs participated in this study. The sample included individuals who have experienced an AV [AV group (N  = 141)] and those who have not [non-AV group (N  = 23)].

Methods

The study utilised self-report measures via an online questionnaire to explore the predictive validity of loneliness and frequency of the AV on ED symptom severity.

Results

Confirmatory analysis (AV group only) demonstrated the significance of the independent variables individually predicting ED symptom severity. However, a significant interaction was not found between the two primary variables in predicting ED symptom severity, more significantly than the influence of either variable alone. Exploratory analysis considered the differences between the two groups (AV and Non-AV), as well as considering alternate predictors.

Conclusions

The findings offer insight into possible drivers behind engagement with the AV, as part of ED presentations in the community.