Personality of Children with Anorexia Nervosa

Abstract:

Objective To further analyse personality features of children with anorexia nervosa. Methods A control study was carried out between 36 children with anorexia nervosa (the anorexia nervosa group)and 40 normal children (the control group) using Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (junior). Results The anorexia nervosa group had a lower average score in E-scale ( P < 0.05 ) and a higher one in N-scale ( P < 0.05 ) than the control group, while no significant difference was seen between the two groups in P-scale or L-scale ( P > 0.05 ), suggesting that children with anorexia nervosa were characteristic introvert personality, unstable type. Conclusions Children with introvert, unstable personality are significantly more susceptible to anorexia nervosa than those with extrovert, stable personality. Preliminary psychological therapy should thus be administered.