What psychological characteristic is common among clients with anorexia nervosa?

Clients with anorexia nervosa often exhibit perfectionism, which manifests in their intense desire to achieve idealistic goals, including those related to body image and weight. They frequently set high standards for themselves in various aspects of their lives, such as academics and personal appearance. This characteristic can drive them to engage in restrictive eating behaviors, as they may believe that being thinner will lead to greater success, approval, and self-worth.

Perfectionism in these clients goes beyond typical striving for excellence; it often involves a detrimental fear of failure, which can manifest in an inability to tolerate any perceived shortcomings. This mindset can contribute to their severe self-criticism and the relentless pursuit of an unattainable body image, reinforcing the cycle of disordered eating and psychological distress.

Other characteristics, such as self-denial, may play a role in the disorder, but it is the perfectionistic tendencies that are particularly characteristic and fundamental to the underlying psychology of anorexia nervosa.