Table 2 Patients’ scores on the Meanings of Anorexia Nervosa Questionnaire (MANQ) – Section II
Triggers of AN | Mean ± SD |
 Body dissatisfaction | 6.6 ± 3.5 |
 Problems of adolescence | 6.4 ± 3.3 |
 Distress at school/work | 5.4 ± 3.6 |
 Teasing about weight and body | 5.2 ± 3.5 |
 Separation, grief or loss of parents or other close family members | 3.5 ± 3.9 |
 No specific trigger | 2.5 ± 3.3 |
 Sexual harassment | 1.5 ± 3.1 |
Meanings of AN | |
 Stability and safety | 5.8 ± 3.7 |
 Way to communicate | 5.4 ± 3.5 |
 Self-control | 5.2 ± 3.7 |
 Way to be valued and recognized | 5.2 ± 3.9 |
 Way to obtain affection and attention | 5.0 ± 3.7 |
 Way to feel beautiful | 4.6 ± 4.0 |
 Identity | 4.4 ± 3.7 |
 Power and control | 4.3 ± 4.0 |
 Avoidance of negative feelings and emotions | 4.2 ± 3.7 |
 Avoidance of negative experiences | 4.1 ± 3.8 |
 Way to die | 3.9 ± 3.8 |
 Illness denial | 3.1 ± 3.4 |
Negative effects of AN | |
 Control | 7.9 ± 3.0 |
 Obsessions about body shape | 6.9 ± 3.2 |
 Loneliness | 6.6 ± 3.4 |
 Obsessions about food | 6.3 ± 3.4 |
 Counting calories | 4.4 ± 3.7 |