Identifying key psychological characteristics among Chinese individuals with eating disorders: an exploratory graph and network analysis.

BACKGROUND

Interventions targeting core characteristics of eating disorders (EDs) can effectively alleviate symptoms. However, it remains unclear whether these characteristics exhibit cultural specificity within the Chinese population. This study combines exploratory graph analysis (EGA) and network analysis to identify key psychological characteristics in Chinese patients with EDs.

METHODS

The psychological characteristics of 1,001 patients with EDs were assessed using the Eating Disorder Inventory-1 (EDI-1). Nineteen representative items were selected and categorized into different dimensions through EGA. Network analysis was then performed to identify key psychological characteristics by determining central and bridge nodes.

RESULTS

In addition to the "ED-specific" and "Non-specific" categories, an unexpected category, "Perfectionism," was identified. Across these three categories, four key psychological characteristics were highlighted: "terrified of gaining weight," "guilty after overeating," "worry that feelings will get out of control," and "must do things perfectly."

CONCLUSION

Beyond drive for thinness, perfectionism and emotional regulation difficulties may represent key psychological characteristics among Chinese individuals with EDs. These findings could help inform the development of culturally tailored treatment strategies for EDs in China.