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Andersson E, Mataix-Cols D, Lauri KO, de Schipper E, Ljótsson B, Aspvall K, Wahlund T. The impact of reduced worry on general functioning: A mediation analysis from a randomized trial. Stress Health 2024; 40:e3319. [PMID: 37706604 DOI: 10.1002/smi.3319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Previous lab findings have indicated that excessive worry may impair cognitive performance and problem solving capabilities but it is unclear if excessive worry also leads to broader impairments in general functioning. We report a secondary process data analysis of a large randomized waitlist-controlled trial (N = 670) of a self-guided online psychological intervention for dysfunctional worry related to the Covid-19 pandemic. Specific aims were to investigate (1) if improvements in general functioning were mediated by reductions in worry related to Covid-19 during the acute intervention phase, and (2) if reduced worry related to Covid-19 during acute intervention phase had a positive long-term impact on general functioning up to 1 year after the end of the intervention. To address aim 1, we used a mediation analysis framework where outcome (general functioning measured with an adapted version of the Work and Social Adjustment Scale) and the hypothesized mediator (worry measured with an adapted version of the Generalised Anxiety Disorder 7-Item Scale) were administered weekly during the controlled phase of the trial of 3 weeks. To address aim 2, we investigated if reductions in worry during the 3-week treatment period predicted improved general functioning at 1- and 12 months after treatment completion. Results showed that improvements in general functioning at week 3 were mediated by reductions in worry during the first 2 weeks of treatment (indirect effect estimate -0.08; 95% CI -0.15, -0.02). A sensitivity analysis indicated that the mediation effects dropped significantly when the residual correlation values between the mediator and the outcome exceeded r = 0. A reversed causation model was not significant. Additionally, reductions in worry during treatment predicted subsequent improvements in general functioning at both 1- and 12-month follow-ups (p < .05, -.001). Altogether, these results provide further support of the importance of targeting worry as a way to improve functioning among the large population of individuals with high levels of worry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik Andersson
- Division of Psychology, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - David Mataix-Cols
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm Health Care Services, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Klara Olofsdotter Lauri
- Division of Psychology, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Elles de Schipper
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm Health Care Services, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Brjánn Ljótsson
- Division of Psychology, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kristina Aspvall
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm Health Care Services, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tove Wahlund
- Division of Psychology, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Liu C, Messer M, Anderson C, McClure Z, Linardon J. Body appreciation predicts lower levels of orthorexia nervosa symptoms: Prospective findings. Body Image 2024; 48:101684. [PMID: 38377760 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2024.101684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Recent evidence shows that negative body image may be a potential risk factor for symptoms of orthorexia nervosa (ON). However, whether positive body image plays a protective role against symptoms of ON remains unclear. Although prior research has established associations between body appreciation (a core component of positive body image) and ON symptoms, this research is limited to cross-sectional designs, precluding inferences of temporal precedence. Thus, the present study overcomes this limitation by testing whether body appreciation prospectively predicts ON symptoms. Data were analysed from 1253 adult women (M age = 34 years (SD = 9.4), 81.3% Caucasian) who completed the Orthorexia Nervosa Inventory (ONI) and Body Appreciation Scale 2-Short Form (BAS2-SF) at baseline (T1) and at three-month follow-up (T2). Multiple linear regressions were used to test whether body appreciation scores at T1 predicted ONI subscale scores (behaviours, emotions, and impairments) at T2. Results revealed that higher body appreciation scores at T1 significantly predicted decreased scores on each ONI subscale at T2, though effect sizes were small. Findings provide preliminary evidence that body appreciation may protect against ON symptoms. If replicated, efforts to address ON symptoms may be enhanced by promoting body appreciation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Liu
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Hwy, Victoria 3125, Australia.
| | - Mariel Messer
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Hwy, Victoria 3125, Australia
| | - Cleo Anderson
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Hwy, Victoria 3125, Australia
| | - Zoe McClure
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Hwy, Victoria 3125, Australia
| | - Jake Linardon
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Hwy, Victoria 3125, Australia; Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria 3125, Australia
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3
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Anderson C, Messer M, McClure Z, Liu C, Linardon J. Bidirectional relationships between muscularity-oriented disordered eating and mental health constructs: a prospective study. Eat Disord 2024:1-14. [PMID: 38380888 DOI: 10.1080/10640266.2024.2319947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Muscularity-oriented disordered eating (MODE) is a novel class of eating behaviors characterised by abnormal dietary alterations aimed towards building lean muscle. Although traditionally shown to affect men, emerging evidence suggests that increasingly more women are striving for the muscular and lean ideal, resulting in engagement of MODE behaviors. Prior research examining MODE in women is limited, yet emerging evidence from cross-sectional studies have established associations between MODE and poor mental health indices in this population. However, the temporal order of these associations in women is not yet known. Thus, the current study examined possible bi-directional associations between MODE behaviors and common mental health outcomes (depression, anxiety, loneliness). Adult women completed online study measures at baseline (Time 1 [T1]; n = 1760) and three-month follow-up (Time 2 [T2]; n = 1180). Cross-lagged panel models were computed to test for possible bi-directional relationships between MODE and the relevant mental health constructs. Findings showed that higher MODE levels at T1 significantly predicted increased depressive and anxiety symptoms (but not loneliness) at T2, and loneliness at T1 (but not depression/anxiety) significantly predicted MODE at T2. Effect sizes were small, so findings should be interpreted with this in mind. This is the first study to establish temporal relationships between MODE and mental health outcomes in adult women. Findings suggest that clinicians may benefit from inquiring about MODE behaviors for proper screening, assessment, and intervention, and potentially addressing loneliness to decrease risk of MODE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cleo Anderson
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mariel Messer
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Zoe McClure
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Claudia Liu
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jake Linardon
- Center for Social and Emotional Development, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia
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4
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Legg NK, Robillard CL, Turner BJ. Examining the components and stability of negative affect in disordered eating frequency. EUROPEAN EATING DISORDERS REVIEW 2023. [PMID: 37243507 DOI: 10.1002/erv.2990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE There is a limited understanding of the unique components of negative affect that are most important to disordered eating. Our study tested the contributions and stabilities of unique components of negative affect in the frequency of both binge eating and restricted eating. We examined if: (1) symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress share unique, concurrent associations with binge eating and restricted eating, respectively, and if (2) instability of depression, anxiety, and stress predict binge eating and restricted eating, respectively. METHOD 627 first year undergraduate students completed 7 assessments of these constructs across their first academic year. Generalised multilevel modelling was employed. RESULTS Higher than average anxiety, but not depression or stress, was concurrently associated with restricted eating. No concurrent associations between negative affect and binge eating were found. Instability of depression, but not anxiety or stress, predicted both binge and restricted eating. CONCLUSION Anxiety may be a more salient predictor of restricted eating than depression or stress. However, larger monthly changes in depression may confer risk for more frequent binge eating and restricted eating.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole K Legg
- Department of Psychology, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Christina L Robillard
- Department of Psychology, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Brianna J Turner
- Department of Psychology, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
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5
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Lacroix E, Smith AJ, Husain IA, Orth U, von Ranson KM. Normative body image development: A longitudinal meta-analysis of mean-level change. Body Image 2023; 45:238-264. [PMID: 36965235 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2023.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/27/2023]
Abstract
This meta-analysis synthesized longitudinal data on mean-level change in body image, focusing on the constructs of body satisfaction and dissatisfaction, body esteem, perceived attractiveness, valuation, self-objectification, and body shame. We searched five databases and accessed unpublished data to identify studies that assessed body image at two or more time points over six months or longer. Analyses were based on data from 142 samples representing a total of 128,254 participants. The age associated with the midpoint of measurement intervals ranged from 6 to 54 years. Multilevel metaregression models examined standardized yearly mean change, and the potential moderators of body image construct, gender, birth cohort, attrition rate, age, and time lag. Boys and men showed fluctuations in overall body image with net-improvements between ages 10 and 24. Girls and women showed worsening body image between ages 10 and 16, but improvements between ages 16 and 24. Change was greatest between ages 10 and 14, and stabilized around age 24. We found no effect of construct, birth cohort, or attrition rate. Results suggest a need to revise understandings of normative body image development: sensitive periods may occur somewhat earlier than previously believed, and body image may show mean-level improvements during certain age ranges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Lacroix
- Department of Psychology, University of New Brunswick, 38 Dineen Dr., Fredericton, NB E3B 5A3, Canada.
| | - Alyssa J Smith
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr. NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Incé A Husain
- Department of Psychology, University of New Brunswick, 38 Dineen Dr., Fredericton, NB E3B 5A3, Canada
| | - Ulrich Orth
- Department of Psychology, University of Bern, Fabrikstrasse 8, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Kristin M von Ranson
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr. NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
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Negative body image components as risk factors for orthorexia nervosa: Prospective findings. Appetite 2022; 178:106280. [PMID: 35988801 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2022.106280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Emerging theoretical and empirical evidence indicates that negative body image might be implicated in the onset or maintenance of ON symptoms. However, existing research investigating associations between negative body image and ON is limited to cross-sectional designs and has failed to consider the independent role of distinct components of body image. To overcome these limitations, the present study examined the prospective associations between five components of body image (i.e., overvaluation, dissatisfaction, preoccupation, body checking, and body image avoidance) and ON symptoms in community-based adult women. Participants were assessed at baseline and at a three-month follow-up, with 558 women included in the final analyses. After adjusting for baseline ON symptoms, higher scores on each of the five body image components at baseline significantly predicted greater increases in ON symptoms in univariate analyses. However, in multivariate analyses, overvaluation with weight and shape was the only component of body image to uniquely predict ON symptoms. Findings suggest that certain components of negative body image may increase the risk for ON symptoms. Findings also lend support to recent proposals that ON may be better viewed as a variant of an existing eating disorder, given that both appear to share similar underlying risk factors.
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7
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Yıldırım JC, Bahtiyar B. The Association between Metacognitions and Worry: The Mediator Role of Experiential Avoidance Strategies. THE JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY 2022; 156:552-567. [PMID: 35981237 DOI: 10.1080/00223980.2022.2107977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Although experiential avoidance is emphasized as an underlying factor for persevering worry, limited empirical attempt exists to integrate this concept with cognitive models explaining pathological worry. Therefore, the current study aims to investigate the mediator role of different experiential avoidance strategies in the relationship between metacognitions and worry-related symptoms. The study was conducted with a community sample consisting of 563 volunteer participants (405 females, 158 males) whose ages ranged between 18 and 40 (M = 25.56, SD = 4.72). Online data collection of self-report measures including demographic information form, Metacognitions Questionnaire-30, Multidimensional Experiential Avoidance Questionnaire, and Penn State Worry Questionnaire was applied. The results of the hierarchical regression analysis revealed that experiential avoidance predicted worry beyond metacognition. In addition, particular avoidant strategies, aversion/avoidance, procrastination, distraction, and distress endurance explained the associations between positive and negative metacognitive beliefs and worry. Current findings point to different avoidant strategies that might play a role in the intensification and maintenance of worry and suggest the benefits of incorporating acceptance and commitment-based interventions with metacognitive therapy for better therapeutic outcomes.
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Bijsterbosch JM, Keizer A, Boelen PA, van den Brink F, Danner UN, Sternheim LC. How deep is your thought? The relations between intolerance of uncertainty, worry and weight and shape concerns in adolescent girls with anorexia nervosa. J Eat Disord 2021; 9:164. [PMID: 34930469 PMCID: PMC8686596 DOI: 10.1186/s40337-021-00523-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inherent to anorexia nervosa are repetitive thoughts about weight and shape. Growing research suggests the relevance of intolerance of uncertainty and worry in maintaining these types of repetitive thoughts. The relation between these cognitive processes and weight and shape concerns in adolescent girls with anorexia nervosa is understudied. This study investigated associations between prospective (desire for predictability) and inhibitory (uncertainty paralysis) intolerance of uncertainty, and weight and shape concerns and the mediating role of worry in these associations. METHODS In a cross-sectional study, 93 adolescent girls with anorexia nervosa completed questionnaires measuring the variables of interest. A mediation model with worry as a mediator between inhibitory and prospective intolerance of uncertainty and weight and shape concerns was tested. RESULTS A total and direct effect of inhibitory intolerance of uncertainty on weight and shape concerns was found. Worry did not mediate this relation. CONCLUSIONS These results confirm the importance of inhibitory intolerance of uncertainty in adolescent girls with anorexia nervosa, more specifically to weight and shape concerns. This group may benefit from intervention strategies targeting intolerance of uncertainty. General worry seems less relevant to weight and shape concerns in adolescent girls with anorexia nervosa. Adolescent girls with anorexia nervosa often experience repetitive thoughts about weight and shape. Growing research suggests the relevance of intolerance of uncertainty and worry in maintaining these types of repetitive thoughts. Intolerance of uncertainty is defined as the incapacity to tolerate uncertainty and is often divided into two components; prospective intolerance of uncertainty (desire for predictability) and inhibitory intolerance of uncertainty (uncertainty paralysis). The relation between intolerance of uncertainty, worry and weight and shape concerns in adolescent girls with anorexia nervosa is understudied. This study aims to investigate study relations between prospective and inhibitory intolerance of uncertainty, worry, and weight and shape concerns. A total of 93 adolescent girls with anorexia nervosa completed three questionnaires, measuring prospective and inhibitory intolerance of uncertainty worry, and weight and shape concerns, respectively. The results of this study confirmed the importance of inhibitory intolerance of uncertainty in adolescent girls with anorexia nervosa, more specifically to weight and shape concerns. This group may benefit from intervention strategies targeting intolerance of uncertainty. General worry seems less relevant to weight and shape concerns in adolescent girls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jojanneke M Bijsterbosch
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Utrecht University, PO Box 80140, 3508 TC, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Anouk Keizer
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Paul A Boelen
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Utrecht University, PO Box 80140, 3508 TC, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- ARQ National Psychotrauma Centre, Diemen, The Netherlands
- ARQ Centrum'45, Diemen, The Netherlands
| | - Femke van den Brink
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Utrecht University, PO Box 80140, 3508 TC, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Unna N Danner
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Utrecht University, PO Box 80140, 3508 TC, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Rintveld Center for Eating Disorders, Altrecht, Zeist, The Netherlands
| | - Lot C Sternheim
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Utrecht University, PO Box 80140, 3508 TC, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Pritchard M, Brasil K, McDermott R, Holdiman A. Untangling the associations between generalized anxiety and body dissatisfaction: The mediating effects of social physique anxiety among collegiate men and women. Body Image 2021; 39:266-275. [PMID: 34695680 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2021.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/03/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Researchers disagree on which types of anxiety influence body dissatisfaction and how gender (cisgender men vs. cisgender women) may impact these associations. Specifically, little is known about how generalized anxiety and social physique anxiety combine to predict body dissatisfaction in men and women. The purpose of the present study was to explore a moderated mediation model in which the relationships between generalized anxiety and body dissatisfaction (drive for thinness and drive for muscularity) were mediated by social physique anxiety and moderated by gender. Data from 423 U.S. college students (n = 259 women) were analyzed using multigroup structural equation modeling. Generalized anxiety was positively associated with social physique anxiety, and this association was significantly stronger for men than for women. Neither social physique anxiety nor generalized anxiety were associated with drive for muscularity. Social physique anxiety was positively and significantly associated with drive for thinness equally for men and women and emerged as a significant mediator. These results highlight gender differences/similarities in body image and suggest drive for thinness and social physique anxiety may have a common factor of generalized anxiety. When helping clients who suffer with body dissatisfaction, clinicians and researchers may wish to focus on generalized anxiety (and not just social physique anxiety).
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Pritchard
- Boise State University, Department of Psychological Science, 1910 University Dr. Boise, ID83725-1715, USA.
| | - Kyle Brasil
- University of South Alabama, Department of Counseling and Instructional Sciences, University Commons 3600, Mobile, AL 36688, USA
| | - Ryon McDermott
- University of South Alabama, Department of Counseling and Instructional Sciences, University Commons 3600, Mobile, AL 36688, USA
| | - Anna Holdiman
- Boise State University, Department of Psychological Science, 1910 University Dr. Boise, ID83725-1715, USA
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10
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Psychometric properties of the fear of food measure in Japanese women. Eat Weight Disord 2021; 26:2135-2142. [PMID: 33140377 DOI: 10.1007/s40519-020-01061-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of the present study was to investigate the psychometric properties of the fear of food measure (FOFM) in Japanese women. METHODS This study was a cross-sectional, observational, and multicenter study conducted at the University of Tokyo and Kyushu University. Participants were comprised of 169 healthy women and 149 patients with eating disorders. First, the present study explored the factor structure of FOFM in Japanese women using exploratory factor analyses. Then, the Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's omega were calculated to assess reliability. Concurrent validity was examined by calculating correlation coefficients with the Eating Attitudes Test, negative affect of Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Additionally, the Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used to compare scores between the healthy control and patient group. RESULTS The final model had four subscales. The subscales, thus, had high reliability and showed significant positive correlations with the questionnaires. The scores of subscales in the patient group were significantly higher than those in the healthy control group. CONCLUSIONS The FOFM had a four-factor structure in Japanese women. Its reliability and validity were verified and it could be used as a tool to assess fear of food. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III, case-control analytic study.
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11
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Wahlund T, Hesser H, Perrin S, Johansson S, Huhn V, Sörhus S, Lindskog S, Serlachius E, Hedman-Lagerlöf E, Ljótsson B, Andersson E. Therapist-guided online metacognitive intervention for excessive worry: a randomized controlled trial with mediation analysis. Cogn Behav Ther 2021; 51:21-41. [PMID: 34283004 DOI: 10.1080/16506073.2021.1937695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies have found an association between excessive worrying and negative beliefs about worry. It is unclear if change in these beliefs mediate worry reduction. This study aimed to examine (1) if a simplified online metacognitive intervention can reduce worry, (2) whether changes in negative beliefs about worry mediate changes in worry severity, and (3) moderated mediation, i.e., if the mediating effect is more pronounced in individuals with a high degree of negative beliefs about worry at baseline. Adult excessive worriers (N = 108) were randomized to 10-weeks of the online metacognitive intervention (MCI) aimed at reducing negative beliefs about worry, or to wait-list (WL). Outcomes, mediation, and moderated mediation were examined via growth curve modelling. Results indicated a significant reduction in the MCI group (d = 1.6). Reductions in negative beliefs about worry and depressive symptoms separately mediated changes in worry severity during the intervention, but in a multivariate test only the former remained significant. Sensitivity analysis indicated that the hypothesized mediation was robust to possible violations of mediator-outcome confounding. The moderated mediation hypothesis was not supported. The results from this randomized trial add to the growing literature suggesting that negative beliefs about worry play a key role in worry-related problems. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03393156.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tove Wahlund
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet.,Stockholm Health Care Services, Stockholm County Council, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Hugo Hesser
- Department of Behavioural Sciences and Learning, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.,School of Law, Psychology and Social Work, Center for Health and Medical Psychology, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Sean Perrin
- Department of Psychology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Sanna Johansson
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet
| | - Vilgot Huhn
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet
| | - Sara Sörhus
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet
| | - Severin Lindskog
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet
| | - Eva Serlachius
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet.,Stockholm Health Care Services, Stockholm County Council, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Erik Hedman-Lagerlöf
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet
| | - Brjánn Ljótsson
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet
| | - Erik Andersson
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet
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12
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Schaumberg K, Reilly EE, Gorrell S, Levinson CA, Farrell NR, Brown TA, Smith KM, Schaefer LM, Essayli JH, Haynos AF, Anderson LM. Conceptualizing eating disorder psychopathology using an anxiety disorders framework: Evidence and implications for exposure-based clinical research. Clin Psychol Rev 2020; 83:101952. [PMID: 33221621 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2020.101952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2019] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Eating disorders (EDs) and anxiety disorders (ADs) evidence shared risk and significant comorbidity. Recent advances in understanding of anxiety-based disorders may have direct application to research and treatment efforts for EDs. The current review presents an up-to-date, behavioral conceptualization of the overlap between anxiety-based disorders and EDs. We identify ways in which anxiety presents in EDs, consider differences between EDs and ADs relevant to treatment adaptions, discuss how exposure-based strategies may be adapted for use in ED treatment, and outline directions for future mechanistic, translational, and clinical ED research from this perspective. Important research directions include: simultaneous examination of the extent to which EDs are characterized by aberrant avoidance-, reward-, and/or habit-based neurobiological and behavioral processes; improvement in understanding of how nutritional status interacts with neurobiological characteristics of EDs; incorporation of a growing knowledge of biobehavioral signatures in ED treatment planning; development of more comprehensive exposure-based treatment approaches for EDs; testing whether certain exposure interventions for AD are appropriate for EDs; and improvement in clinician self-efficacy and ability to use exposure therapy for EDs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sasha Gorrell
- University of California, San Francisco, United States of America
| | - Cheri A Levinson
- University of Louisville, Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, United States of America
| | | | - Tiffany A Brown
- University of California, San Diego, United States of America
| | - Kathryn M Smith
- Sanford Health, United States of America; University of Southern California, United States of America
| | | | | | - Ann F Haynos
- University of Minnesota, United States of America
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13
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Levinson CA, Christian C, Ram SS, Vanzhula I, Brosof LC, Michelson LP, Williams BM. Eating disorder symptoms and core eating disorder fears decrease during online imaginal exposure therapy for eating disorders. J Affect Disord 2020; 276:585-591. [PMID: 32794449 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2020.07.075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Revised: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/05/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few evidence-based treatments for eating disorders (EDs) exist. Imaginal exposure therapy is a key component of effective treatment for anxiety disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder. However, imaginal exposure has not been systematically tested as a treatment for EDs. The current study aimed to develop and test online imaginal exposure as a treatment for EDs. METHODS The current study tested a four-week trial of online imaginal exposure for EDs (N = 229 participants with EDs recruited globally). Participants completed diagnostic interviews and four sessions of weekly online imaginal exposure, in which they wrote about and imagined a core ED fear (identified with a therapist). Participants completed measures of ED symptoms and fears (i.e., fear of weight gain, food) at pre-imaginal exposure, post-imaginal exposure, and six-month follow-up. Participants were recruited and participated in the protocol from November 2016 to October 2018. RESULTS All primary outcomes (ED symptoms, ED fears) significantly decreased at study completion and six-month follow-up with medium-to-large effect sizes. State anxiety across the exposure and follow-ups significantly decreased, specifically from initial sessions to follow-up. Worry, but not depression, significantly decreased. LIMITATIONS This study was an open case trial and did not include a control condition. CONCLUSIONS Significant decreases in ED symptoms and fears occurred during the course of imaginal exposure treatment. Online imaginal exposure is a feasible treatment for EDs and is associated with decreases in core ED symptomatology, which are comparable in magnitude to decreases seen from other evidence-based treatments. A future randomized-controlled trial is needed. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT03712748.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheri A Levinson
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, 317 Life Sciences, University of Louisville, 317 Life Sciences, Louisville, KY 40292, United States.
| | - Caroline Christian
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, 317 Life Sciences, University of Louisville, 317 Life Sciences, Louisville, KY 40292, United States
| | - Shruti Shankar Ram
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, 317 Life Sciences, University of Louisville, 317 Life Sciences, Louisville, KY 40292, United States
| | - Irina Vanzhula
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, 317 Life Sciences, University of Louisville, 317 Life Sciences, Louisville, KY 40292, United States
| | - Leigh C Brosof
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, 317 Life Sciences, University of Louisville, 317 Life Sciences, Louisville, KY 40292, United States
| | - Lisa P Michelson
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, 317 Life Sciences, University of Louisville, 317 Life Sciences, Louisville, KY 40292, United States
| | - Brenna M Williams
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, 317 Life Sciences, University of Louisville, 317 Life Sciences, Louisville, KY 40292, United States
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14
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Christian C, Brosof LC, Vanzhula IA, Williams BM, Shankar Ram S, Levinson CA. Implementation of a dissonance-based, eating disorder prevention program in Southern, all-female high schools. Body Image 2019; 30:26-34. [PMID: 31085488 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2019.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2018] [Revised: 05/05/2019] [Accepted: 05/05/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Adolescence represents a high-risk period for eating disorder development, and there is great need for effective prevention programs targeted at this population. The Body Project, a dissonance-based eating disorder prevention program, has robust literature showing reductions in body dissatisfaction and eating disorder symptoms. However, many additional factors (i.e., comorbid symptoms, transdiagnostic factors) have not yet been examined in relation to the Body Project. Additionally, there is little known about how to most effectively and broadly disseminate this intervention. The current study (N = 332 adolescents) examines eating disorder symptoms, comorbidities, and transdiagnostic risk factors pre- and post-Body Project and at 1-month follow-up. This study is the first examination of the effectiveness of the Body Project implemented within school programming in southern, all-female high schools. Social appearance anxiety, physical and social anxiety sensitivity, rumination, worry, perfectionism, and guilt, but not depression, cognitive anxiety sensitivity, shame, or exercise dependence, decreased pre- to post-intervention and/or 1-month follow-up. These results support the effectiveness of the Body Project in addressing eating disorder symptoms and suggest it may aid in the prevention of comorbid conditions. Additionally, the effectiveness of the intervention was comparable to past investigations, supporting its use in schools across the United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Christian
- University of Louisville, Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, United States.
| | - Leigh C Brosof
- University of Louisville, Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, United States
| | - Irina A Vanzhula
- University of Louisville, Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, United States
| | - Brenna M Williams
- University of Louisville, Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, United States
| | - Shruti Shankar Ram
- University of Louisville, Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, United States
| | - Cheri A Levinson
- University of Louisville, Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, United States
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15
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Disentangling relations between the desirability of the thin-ideal, body checking, and worry on college women's weight-loss dieting: A self-regulation perspective. Eat Behav 2019; 34:101312. [PMID: 31351360 DOI: 10.1016/j.eatbeh.2019.101312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2018] [Revised: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 07/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The study used self-regulation theory to elucidate the relationships between the desirability of the thin-ideal goal, dispositional worry, body checking and weight-loss dieting (WLD) in college women. We hypothesized that body checking would mediate the relationship between the desirability of the thin-ideal goal and WLD: the desire to be thin would be associated with more WLD through more frequent body checking. We also hypothesized that dispositional worry would moderate this mediation pathway, such that the mediation pathway would be stronger for those higher in worry. Finally, all effects were expected to occur when controlling for self-reported body size. A paper and pencil survey was conducted on a convenience sample of 237 college women who completed measures of: thin-ideal desirability, dispositional worry, body checking, WLD, as well as providing height and weight. A bootstrap analysis using PROCESS (Hayes, 2013) supported the hypothesized moderated mediation model. Findings add to current knowledge by elucidating the nature and function of body checking, and by so doing may provide insight into the prevention and treatment of disordered eating.
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16
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Sala M, Brosof LC, Levinson CA. Repetitive negative thinking predicts eating disorder behaviors: A pilot ecological momentary assessment study in a treatment seeking eating disorder sample. Behav Res Ther 2018; 112:12-17. [PMID: 30466030 DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2018.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Revised: 10/12/2018] [Accepted: 11/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Repetitive negative thinking is a transdiagnostic process that occurs across several psychological disorders, including eating disorders. Individuals with eating disorders have higher levels of repetitive negative thinking than controls, and repetitive negative thinking is associated with eating disorder behaviors. However, no study has measured how momentary repetitive negative thinking may subsequently impact daily eating disorder behaviors and vice-versa. METHOD In the current study (N = 66, recently treated individuals recruited from an eating disorder treatment center), we examined the relationship between repetitive negative thinking and subsequent eating disorder behaviors and vice-versa using ecological momentary assessment. RESULTS We found that higher momentary repetitive negative thinking predicted higher subsequent weighing and body checking. We also found that higher momentary meal-specific repetitive negative thinking predicted higher subsequent weighing and lower subsequent compensatory behavior. We also found that higher repetitive negative thinking predicted higher eating disorder symptoms at one-month follow-up. CONCLUSION There are short-term and long-term negative effects of repetitive negative thinking in the eating disorders. Targeting repetitive negative thinking may be important for decreasing eating disorder behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margarita Sala
- Department of Psychology, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Leigh C Brosof
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Cheri A Levinson
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA.
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17
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Disordered eating attitudes and emotional/behavioral adjustment in Greek adolescents. Eat Weight Disord 2018; 23:621-628. [PMID: 29189978 DOI: 10.1007/s40519-017-0466-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2017] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between disordered eating attitudes and emotional/behavioral adjustment in Greek adolescents as well as the moderating role of gender and body mass index (BMI) in this relationship. METHODS Ninety adolescents, 11-18 years old, were assessed using anthropometric measurements; demographics, eating attitudes and level of emotional/behavioral adjustment were examined via self-reported questionnaires. RESULTS Disordered eating attitudes were prevalent in 17.8% of the sample. A significant relationship was found between disordered eating attitudes and Youth Self-Report (YSR) anxiety score (r = .22, p < .05). Gender significantly moderated the relationship between YSR anxiety symptoms and Eating Attitudes Test (EAT) scores (b = .59, p = .01) and this effect held true for the EAT bulimia subscale (b = .20, p = .03), but not for the dieting or the oral control subscales. Contrary to our hypothesis, BMI did not moderate the relationship between EAT and YSR anxiety sub-scores (b = .13, p > .05). CONCLUSION Girls with elevated anxiety levels appear to be at risk for exhibiting disordered eating attitudes, especially bulimic behaviors. This finding highlights the importance of developing gender-based preventive interventions tailored to these specific emotional/behavioral aspects. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level V, cross-sectional descriptive study.
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