The authors compared 105 patients who met DSM-III criteria for bulimia
with 86 control subjects on measures of family environment and presence of
eating disorders. Bulimic patients' perceptions of their families included
low cohesiveness, a lack of emphasis on independent and assertive behavior,
and a high level of conflict coupled with a low emphasis on open expression
of feelings. Families of bulimic subjects had achievement expectations
comparable to those of control families, but the former placed less
emphasis on intellectual and recreational activities. The high
disorganization of the families of bulimic subjects was associated with
severity of symptoms.Abstract Teaser