# The Role of Self-Compassion and Shame-Proneness Among Anorexia and Bulimia Nervosa

## TL;DR

This study explores how self-compassion and shame-proneness differ among individuals with anorexia or bulimia, finding that higher self-compassion is linked to fewer eating disorder symptoms.

## Contribution

The study identifies distinct symptom profiles in eating disorders and reveals self-compassion's protective role against body dissatisfaction.

## Key findings

- Three distinct symptom profiles were identified: Low-symptom, Restrictive, and Multi-symptomatic.
- Self-compassion was significantly higher in the Low-symptom group compared to others.
- Self-compassion moderated the relationship between shame-proneness and body dissatisfaction.

## Abstract

Background: Self-compassion (SC) and shame-proneness (SP) are likely transdiagnostic factors implicated in the onset and maintenance of eating disorders (EDs). However, limited research has examined how these variables vary across distinct ED symptom profiles. To address this gap, this exploratory study aimed to identify latent symptom profiles among individuals diagnosed with Anorexia Nervosa (AN) or Bulimia Nervosa (BN) and assess whether SC and SP levels and their association differ across classes. Methods: A clinical sample of 55 women with AN or BN completed self-report measures for assessing drive for thinness (DT), bulimia (BUL), body dissatisfaction (BD), self-compassion (SC), and SP. Latent Profile Analysis (LPA) was conducted, followed by ANOVA and moderation analysis. Results: LPA revealed three distinct profiles: (1) Low-symptom (i.e., low DT and BUL, moderate BD), (2) Restrictive (i.e., high DT and BD, low BUL), and (3) Multi-symptomatic (i.e., medium-high DT, BUL, and BD). SC significantly differed across profiles, with the Low-symptom group reporting higher SC than the others. No significant differences in SP were found. SC was negatively associated with ED symptoms and significantly moderated the relationship between SP and BD, but not DT or BUL. Conclusions: Findings highlight the heterogeneity of ED symptomatology and the importance of SC as a protective factor, particularly against body dissatisfaction.