Introduction: Although evidence suggests that interpersonal psychotherapy may be an efficacious treatment for eating disorders, there is surprisingly little systematic knowledge about the interpersonal world of these patients.

Method: SASB self-image ratings were used to explore interpersonal profiles in a large heterogeneous sample of eating disorders (N = 830), matched normal controls (N = 105) and a small group of controls with subclinical depression (N = 26).

Results: Eating disorder patients clearly presented with significantly more negative interpersonal profiles compared to controls. Within the eating disorder group, anorexics were characterized by high self-control, self-blame and self-attack. Patients with binge eating disorder expressed the least negative self-image, and were significantly more self-affirming than bulimics and less self-controlling than patients with atypical eating disorders.

Conclusions: Eating disorder patients may have distinct interpersonal profiles that increase the risk of negative therapeutic reaction. Better knowledge of interpersonal processes in eating disorders may help to improve both diagnostic assessment and treatment.