Training in classical dance in childhood and adolescence: What influence on bulimia nervosa in adult patients?

EDI‐scores of two groups of patients (one with no or relatively short and one with extended training in classical ballet dancing in the past) in treatment at an outpatient clinic for eating disorders were compared. The two groups were not different on main clinical characteristics or on a composite variable Bulimic Syndrome (based on a factor analysis) in which scores on the EDI‐subscales Bulimia, Body Dissatisfaction, and Interpersonal Distrust were combined. Significant differences were found for Emotional Deficiency (Interoceptive Awareness and Maturity Fears) and Performance Striving (Drive for Thinness, Perfectionism, and Ineffectiveness), patients with extended ballet training in the past having significantly higher scores.