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RESEARCH PRODUCT

Does shape matter? preferences for a female therapist's figure among patients with eating disorders

subject

description

Abstract Although the female therapist's figure has been a topic of discussion with regard to psychotherapy for eating disorders, it has not yet been addressed empirically. In this study, participants with eating disorders (n =34) and a control group of participants with anxiety disorders (n =30) were asked to indicate how important the therapist's figure is to them and what shape they would prefer a therapist to have. The therapist's figure was more important among participants with eating disorders than among those with anxiety disorders. Participants in both groups favored a therapist with an average figure. Within both groups, participants preferred their therapist to have a shape similar to their own. Clinical implications are discussed.