Objective: Control issues appear to be central to the eating disorders. However, it is important to understand the generalizability of that link by explaining the role of life experiences that reduce levels of perceived control. This study examined the potential role of one such experience--reported sexual abuse.
Method: A group of 55 eating-disordered women completed the Eating Attitudes Test and a measure of perceived personal control (Locus of Control scale). They were also interviewed regarding a history of sexual abuse.
Results: A reported history of sexual abuse was linked to a lower level of perceived personal control. A more external locus of control was associated with more severe eating psychopathology among abused women, particularly if the abuse was more severe. In contrast, there was no such association among the women who reported no history of sexual abuse.
Conclusions: Clinical work with eating-disordered women who report a history of sexual abuse may derive particular benefit from a focus on cognitions regarding personal control.