Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a multifactorial illness. Although several studies have determined which factors could predispose AN, few studies have determined which factors could precipitate it. What is more, it has been suggested that having experienced stressful life events (SLE) could be related to the onset of AN. The aim of this study was to explore specific psychosocial and familial correlates and the impact of SLE in the onset of AN. Following a case-control design, 40 adolescents diagnosed with AN were matched to three control groups, 40 healthy adolescents, 40 adolescents with affective disorders, 40 adolescents with asthma and their families by sex, age and socioeconomic status. Diagnostic interviews K-DSADS and questionnaires were used. The results empathised that no specific predisposing correlates were found for AN. Similarly, the increase of the amount of SLE prior to the onset is an overall characteristic for psychiatric disorders, which in AN it is only specifically related to psychological correlates, but no to cortisol. In terms of specific SLE, those related to interpersonal problems were frequent at the onset of AN. The results highlight the consequences of SLEs in the emotional well-being of the AN adolescents, that could be specific for this psychopathology.