Predicting a comprehensive operationalization of eating disorder recovery: Examining self‐concept, personality, and negative affect.

Objective: Our goal was to examine potential predictors of a comprehensive operationalization of eating disorder recovery, characterized by physical, behavioral, and cognitive recovery, focusing on constructs related to self‐concept, personality, and negative affect. Method: Participants were women with a history of an eating disorder who provided data via survey and interview at two time points separated by about 7–8 years and who met criteria for an eating disorder diagnosis at baseline (N = 36). Results: Logistic regression models revealed that self‐esteem was a significant predictor of recovery status (OR = 1.12, p =.039) such that individuals with higher self‐esteem at baseline demonstrated significantly greater odds of being in full recovery at follow‐up. However, when self‐esteem was considered in a set along with baseline imposter phenomenon and anxiety, no single construct emerged as a significant unique predictor of recovery in logistic regression analyses. Discussion These results highlight the potential importance of self‐esteem in relation to recovery, with clinical implications related to bolstering self‐esteem as part of eating disorder treatment. Future research should continue to explore predictors using a comprehensive operationalization of eating disorder recovery in larger, more diverse samples to optimally identify factors associated with achieving recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]