Dissociation and bulimia: Research and theory

A number of studies are now reporting on dissociation and its links to eating psychopathology. Dissociation is a defence mechanism that is characterized by poor integration of thought processes, and is most likely to be activated when an individual is faced with an overwhelming traumatic experience. Despite the recent research on the possible links between trauma, dissociation and bulimia, the precise nature of this relationship is not yet fully understood. Therefore, it is the aim of this paper to examine the mechanisms of dissociation and to suggest how a reliance on this defence mechanism may influence the development of eating symptomatology. Based on the findings of research in this area, a hypothetical model is proposed of the relationship between trauma, dissociation and bulimic symptomatology. This model is an attempt to understand the development of bulimic psychopathology (and other tensionreducing behaviours) in individuals who report a history of trauma that is relevant to their current diagnosis. The clinical implications of this model are discussed and suggestions are made for further research.