ABSTRACT
Objectives of review. This review aims to summarize research that has been published between 1990 and 2006 on couples and eating disorders (ED).
Summary of recent findings. Studies comparing clinical characteristics of ED individuals in or out of couple relationships are inconclusive. ED often develops in the context of relationship stressors. Partners of ED individuals are not significantly different from controls. Within couples in which one partner has an ED, partners engage in neutral but unfulfilling interactions. Treatment of ED symptoms is associated with more positive patient perceptions of their relationship with their partner. Little is known about the benefits of spousal involvement in treatment.
Future directions. Research on couple therapy approaches is needed, including randomized controlled trials. Appropriate measures for assessing the couple relationship should be developed. It is hoped that improved knowledge of the couple relationship will contribute to improved treatment outcomes in patients afflicted with ED.
