The role of identity in anorexia nervosa: A narrative review

Objective

Identity (i.e. one's sense of self) has been proposed by traditional theoretical frameworks to be a fundamental factor of anorexia nervosa (AN). However, more research is needed to extend and consolidate the existing literature. As such, this narrative review aimed to synthesise relevant literature to gain a better understanding of the role of identity in AN.

Methods

PubMed, Scopus (Elsevier), and Web of Science databases were searched for this narrative review using keywords ‘anorexia’, ‘identity’ and ‘sense of self’. The relevant literature research findings were synthesised into three overarching themes: identity impairments, loss of self to the ‘AN-identity’, and the role of identity in recovery.

Results

Overall, findings suggest identity disturbances could be a central element of AN, and may influence both maintenance of and recovery from AN.

Conclusions

The reviewed findings support identity-focused theoretical frameworks of AN. However, there is a clear need for further research to clarify possible mechanisms of action involving identity disturbance in AN, including how identity may be better addressed in treatment.