Implicit self-esteem in bulimia nervosa

Implicit and explicit self-esteem were compared in a group of female participants with bulimia nervosa or binge eating disorder (n = 20) and a healthy control group (n = 20). Lower explicit and a less positive implicit self-esteem bias in the clinical group was predicted. Participants completed a self-esteem implicit association test and two explicit self-esteem measures. The eating disordered group had lower explicit self-esteem, but a more positive implicit self-esteem bias than controls. The results are discussed in relation to the idea that discrepancies between implicit and explicit self-esteem reflect fragile self-esteem and are related to high levels of perfectionism, which is associated with eating disorders.