Prezentacja osobistych celów pacjentek z diagnozą jadłowstrętu psychicznego

Abstract

Introduction. The goals are defined by Ford and Nichols (1987) as the thoughts about desired states or outcomes that one would like to achieve. Aim. The main objective of this study was to analyse the personals goals and evaluate the correlation between goals and mood disorders in patients with anorexia nervosa. Method. We examined a group of 30 anorexic patients. Our control group consisted of 30 students without eating disorders. Life goals are assessed using the Goal Importance/Fa-cilitation Scale by Maes et al. (2000). All subjects also completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale by Zigmond and Snaith (1983). Results. There were statistically significant differences between the two groups in the Goal Importance/Facilitation Scale, with the anorexic group presenting the highest scores of intellectual development (p < 0.001), avoidance of unpleasantness (p < 0.001) and social development (p < 0.05). Those goals are very important for women with anorexia nervosa but, at the same time, very difficult to attain. The results also revealed a significant correlation between the personal goals and symptoms of depression and anxiety in the anorexic group.Conclusion. The goal disturbance may play a major role in eating disorders.