MMPI-2 and Family Environment Differences between Bulimic and Nonbulimic Women and their Parents

We examined the relationships among psychological adjustment, perceptions of family environment, and the presence of bulimia. Twenty-nine bulimics and 33 nonbulimics completed the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2) and Family Environment Scale (FES) parents of bulimics and nonbulimics were sent the FES to complete independently. Bulimics had higher scores than nonbulimics on MMPI-2 F, Hs, D, Hy, Pd, Pa, Pt, and Sc scales and lower scores on the L and K scales, with a clinically elevated mean configuration of 7-8-1. No differences in perceptions of family environment were found between bulimics and nonbulimics or between their fathers. Mothers of bulimics perceived more active-recreational orientation and less control than mothers of nonbulimics. For bulimics, perceived family cohesion was positively correlated with the Si scale of the MMPI-2. Finally, there was qualitatively less agreement on perceptions of family environment within bulimic than nonbulimic families. We discuss the clinical and research implications of these findings.