Differential family environments of bulimics and victims of childhood sexual abuse: achievement orientation.

Although bulimics' family functioning usually is reported to be abnormal, the present study examined whether these abnormalities are specific to bulimia or whether they may be due to covariation with another problem associated with abnormal family functioning, childhood sexual abuse (CSA). Consistent with prior research, the family environments of bulimic and normal eaters, as well as abused and nonabused subjects, differed significantly. However, when eating behavior and abuse status were analyzed concurrently, significant differences between bulimics and normals failed to emerge. Abnormal family environment was associated more closely with CSA than with bulimia. The one abnormality unique to bulimia was the family's heightened emphasis on achievement. The potential importance of familial achievement orientation is discussed.