Last word: a call to view temperamental traits as dual vulnerabilities and strengths in anorexia nervosa.

ABSTRACT

Research suggests that individuals with anorexia nervosa (AN) have certain temperamental traits (e.g. perfectionism, anxiety, harm avoidance), which often onset prior to the eating disorder (ED), and may persist following recovery. Although these traits are often represented as vulnerabilities to developing an ED, there is reason to believe that within certain contexts, these traits may serve as assets. We propose that traits can be harnessed within or outside of treatment to promote long-term success, and possibly relate to recovery. To do so, the current paper will (1) outline literature on traits viewed as strengths; (2) review precedents for strengths-based interventions drawing from other areas of research; (3) propose a framework for future research to assess these strengths in AN; and (4) discuss the implications of the proposed research for the destigmatization of EDs. This last word calls for a shift to a dual consideration of traits as vulnerabilities and strengths.