Fear of Self in Eating Disorders

Fear of self has been proposed as a transdiagnostic construct, playing a role in not only obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), but in related disorders as well. In this article, empirical support for the association between eating disorders (EDs) and the fear of self will be reviewed. Support for the fear of self in EDs will be contextualized within the theory of possible selves, self-discrepancy theory, and motivation frameworks. Most of the research that will be presented pertains to a feared overweight self. The relevance of broadening the scope of feared self-domains attributed to EDs beyond weight to include those pertaining to character will be advocated. Furthermore, risk factors theorized to lead to the development and investment in a feared self in OCD are examined and evidence for their applicability to EDs is presented. Treatment strategies targeting self-concept and the fear of self in EDs are also described, highlighting the clinical relevance of integrating this construct into the conceptualization of EDs. Finally, recommendations for future research are proposed.