Feelings of insecurity: review of attachment and eating disorders

Abstract

Objective: Attachment theory has received increasing attention from clinicians and researchers in the field of eating disorders. This paper is an updated review on theoretical approaches in the field, and of studies employing the Adult Attachment Interview.

Method: We searched the major databases such as PsycInfo and Science Direct for empirical and theoretical studies on attachment and eating disorders, and these are reviewed.

Results: Theoretical approaches on attachment and eating disorders highlight either retrospective, general risk or attachment theoretical statements. There is greater prevalence of insecure attachment in the eating disordered population than in non-clinical samples. However, there is no sufficient evidence to conclude about specific mechanisms for this connection.

Discussion: The theoretical approaches vary in their theoretical grounding, specificity and empirical support. AAI-based research on attachment and eating disorders is still at an early stage. More advanced studies are required for the field to move forward.