AimThe literature on clinical characteristics associated with premature termination of treatment (PTT) is beset with conflicting and non‐replicated findings. This study explores clinical characteristics potentially associated with PTT in a randomised controlled outpatient psychotherapy trial for anorexia nervosa (AN). MethodsParticipants were 56 women aged 17–40 years with spectrum AN. The completer group (n = 35) included those completing at least 15/20 planned sessions with the remainder of the sample comprising the PTT group (n = 21). Variables examined included demographic factors, psychosocial functioning, psychiatric history, lifetime comorbidity, temperament and eating disorder characteristics. Logistic regression was used to examine significant variables. A Kaplan–Meier survival curve was used to illustrate time taken to PTT. ResultsThe mean number of sessions in the PTT group was 8.1. Lower self‐transcendence scores on the Temperament and Character Inventory were associated with PTT. ConclusionsRecognising and addressing personality factors have the potential to enhance retention in treatment. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.