Anorexia nervosa and psychological control: a reexamination of selected theoretical accounts

Psychological control has been hypothesized to play a central role in the aetiology and maintenance of anorexia nervosa (AN). Indeed, by positioning psychological control as an important organizing or underlying causal mechanism, theoretical accounts typically rely on this construct. This paper reviews three strategically important accounts of the hypothesized relationship between psychological control and AN. These theoretically articulated relationships are complex and diverse. The implications of this situation for current clinical practice, and future research questions, are discussed. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.