The development of the P‐CAN, a measure to operationalize the pros and cons of anorexia nervosa

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Abstract
Objective Research has suggested that a fundamental aspect of anorexia nervosa (AN) is its egosyntonic nature, the fact that it is often valued by individuals with the disorder. The current study describes the development of the P‐CAN, a quantitative measure of both positive (valued) and negative aspects of AN. Method Items were derived from a previous qualitative study (Serpell, Treasure, Teasdale, & Sullivan. 1999. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 25, 177–186). Data from 233 women with AN were subjected to a principal components analysis. Results Ten subscales were identified, six describing the pros of AN and four describing the cons of the illness. Discussion The P‐CAN shows good psychometric properties and should prove a useful tool for the measurement of attitudes towards AN, as well as offer insights into the maintenance of the disorder. © 2004 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 36: 416–433, 2004.

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