1
|
Portingale J, Butler D, Krug I. Novel online enfacement illusion for investigating self-perception in mental disorders: an experimental study protocol. J Eat Disord 2024; 12:94. [PMID: 38970110 PMCID: PMC11229022 DOI: 10.1186/s40337-024-01026-8] [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: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Remote research methods and interventions for mental health disorders have become increasingly important, particularly for conditions like eating disorders (EDs). Embodiment illusions, which induce feelings of ownership over another person?s body or body parts, offer valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying self-perception issues in EDs and potential interventions. However, existing research using these illusions has been limited to face-to-face settings. We illustrate a novel online protocol to induce the enfacement illusion (embodiment illusion principles applied to one's face) in an ED-based sample. METHODS Participants complete a 2-hr virtual session with a researcher. First, baseline trait/state ED psychopathology measures and a self-face recognition task occur. Second, participants experience two testing blocks of the enfacement illusion involving synchronously and asynchronously mimicking a pre-recorded actor's facial expressions. After each block, subjective and objective enfacement illusion measures occur alongside state ED psychopathology reassessment. DISCUSSION Successfully inducing enfacement illusions online could provide an affordable, accessible virtual approach to further elucidate the mechanistic role of self-perception disturbances across psychopathologies such as EDs. Moreover, this protocol may represent an innovative, remotely-delivered intervention strategy, as 'enfacement' over another face could update negative self-representations in a cost-effective, scalable manner.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jade Portingale
- School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3051, Australia.
| | - David Butler
- Faculty of Psychology and Counselling, The Cairnmillar Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Psychology, Counselling and Therapy, LaTrobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Isabel Krug
- School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3051, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Efstathiou M, Delicato LS, Sedda A. Emotional body representations: more pronounced effect of hands at a more explicit level of awareness. Exp Brain Res 2024; 242:1595-1608. [PMID: 38760470 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-024-06839-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
To understand conditions such as body dysmorphic disorder, we need to understand healthy individuals' perceptual, conceptual, and emotional representations of their bodies. Not much is known about the differences in these representations across body districts, for example, hands, feet, and whole-body, despite their differences at sensory and functional levels. To understand this, we developed more implicit and explicit measures of body satisfaction for these body districts. Sixty-seven participants (age M = 30.66, SD = 11.19) completed a series of online Implicit Association Tests (IAT) and a Body Image Satisfaction Visual Analogue Scale (BISVAS; explicit) for each body district (hands/feet/whole body). The results show no differences in the more implicit level of awareness in hands, feet and whole body, while differences are apparent at a more explicit level of awareness, with higher scores for body image satisfaction for the hands than the whole body and marginally significant lower scores for feet than hands. Those findings suggest that visual attention, level of concern attributed to a body district, and disgust drivers are possible factors affecting the experience of attitudinal body image satisfaction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Myrto Efstathiou
- Centre for Applied Behavioural Sciences, Department of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh Campus, Edinburgh, UK.
| | - Louise S Delicato
- Centre for Applied Behavioural Sciences, Department of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh Campus, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Anna Sedda
- Centre for Applied Behavioural Sciences, Department of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh Campus, Edinburgh, UK
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Reilly EE, Brown TA, Frank GKW. Perceptual Dysfunction in Eating Disorders. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2024. [PMID: 38730196 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2024_470] [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] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Eating disorders (EDs) are characterized by abnormal responses to food and weight-related stimuli and are associated with significant distress, impairment, and poor outcomes. Because many of the cardinal symptoms of EDs involve disturbances in perception of one's body or abnormal affective or cognitive reactions to food intake and how that affects one's size, there has been longstanding interest in characterizing alterations in sensory perception among differing ED diagnostic groups. Within the current review, we aimed to critically assess the existing research on exteroceptive and interoceptive perception and how sensory perception may influence ED behavior. Overall, existing research is most consistent regarding alterations in taste, visual, tactile, and gastric-specific interoceptive processing in EDs, with emerging work indicating elevated respiratory and cardiovascular sensitivity. However, this work is far from conclusive, with most studies unable to speak to the precise etiology of observed perceptual differences in these domains and disentangle these effects from affective and cognitive processes observed within EDs. Further, existing knowledge regarding perceptual disturbances in EDs is limited by heterogeneity in methodology, lack of multimodal assessment protocols, and inconsistent attention to different ED diagnoses. We propose several new avenues for improving neurobiology-informed research on sensory processing to generate actionable knowledge that can inform the development of innovative interventions for these serious disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erin E Reilly
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Tiffany A Brown
- Department of Psychology, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Guido K W Frank
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Brizzi G, Riva G, Romano D. The Body Image Virtual Reality Assessment (BIVRA): Measuring the body representation through virtual reality. J Neuropsychol 2024. [PMID: 38576316 DOI: 10.1111/jnp.12366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Our physical and psychological well-being is significantly influenced by how we perceive our body, in addition to our thoughts and emotions associated with it. Dysfunctional body perceptions and attitudes play a key role in the development and maintenance of severe conditions such as eating disorders in both males and females. Given its relevance, some attempts have been made to improve body image assessment methods in terms of perceptual accuracy and body satisfaction taking advantage of technological advances such as virtual reality. However, existing applications have mainly focused on women and clinical conditions. In this study, we presented the Body Image Virtual Reality Assessment (BIVRA), a virtual reality figure rating scale to assess body image in both male and female subjects. We tested BIVRA's ability to measure perceptual accuracy and compared its results with a standardized body satisfaction questionnaire. Additionally, we investigated gender differences. BIVRA was found to be effective in assessing body image. We observed that a perceptually based task successfully captured both low and high levels of body representations, shedding light on the significant gender differences. The association between BIVRA and the body satisfaction questionnaires was moderated by gender, with a stronger association for women. While further validation of BIVRA is needed to fully exploit its potential, our results suggest that the integration of virtual reality into the assessment of body image and related disorders may significantly enhance our understanding of individuals struggling with body image issues and has the potential to advance current methods and techniques.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Brizzi
- Applied Technology for Neuro-Psychology Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Riva
- Applied Technology for Neuro-Psychology Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
- Humane Technology Laboratory, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Milan, Italy
| | - Daniele Romano
- Department of Psychology and MIBTEC: Mind and Behavior Technological Center, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Hamamoto Y, Oba K, Ishibashi R, Ding Y, Nouchi R, Sugiura M. Reduced body-image disturbance by body-image interventions is associated with neural-response changes in visual and social processing regions: a preliminary study. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1337776. [PMID: 38510808 PMCID: PMC10951070 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1337776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Body-image disturbance is a major factor in the development of eating disorders, especially among young women. There are two main components: perceptual disturbance, characterized by a discrepancy between perceived and actual body size, and affective disturbance, characterized by a discrepancy between perceived and ideal body size. Interventions targeting body-image disturbance ask individuals to describe their own body without using negative expressions when either viewing it in a mirror or imagining it. Despite the importance of reducing body-image disturbance, its neural mechanisms remain unclear. Here we investigated the changes in neural responses before and after an intervention. We hypothesized that neural responses correlated with the degree of body-image disturbance would also be related to its reduction, i.e., a reduction in perceptual and affective disturbances would be related to changes in attentional and socio-cognitive processing, respectively. Methods Twenty-eight young adult women without known psychiatric disorders underwent a single 40-min intervention. Participants completed tasks before and after the intervention, in which they estimated their perceived and ideal body sizes using distorted silhouette images to measure body-image disturbance. We analyzed the behavioral and neural responses of participants during the tasks. Results The intervention did not significantly reduce body-image disturbance. Analysis of individual differences showed distinct changes in neural responses for each type of disturbance. A decrease in perceptual disturbance was associated with bodily visuospatial processing: increased activation in the left superior parietal lobule, bilateral occipital gyri, and right cuneus. Reduced affective disturbance was associated with socio-cognitive processing; decreased activation in the right temporoparietal junction, and increased functional connectivity between the left extrastriate body area and the right precuneus. Discussion We identified distinct neural mechanisms (bodily visuospatial and socio-cognitive processing) associated with the reduction in each component of body-image disturbance. Our results imply that different neural mechanisms are related to reduced perceptual disturbance and the expression thereof, whereas similar neural mechanisms are related to the reduction and expression of affective disturbance. Considering the small sample size of this study, our results should be regarded as preliminary.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yumi Hamamoto
- Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
- Department of Psychology, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
- Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kentaro Oba
- Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Ryo Ishibashi
- Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Yi Ding
- Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
- Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Tokyo, Japan
- School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Rui Nouchi
- Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Motoaki Sugiura
- Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
- International Research Institute of Disaster Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Navas-León S, Tajadura-Jiménez A, Motrico E, Morales L, Borda-Mas M, Almeda N, Sánchez-Martín M. Understanding and treating body image disturbances in eating disorders through body illusion interventions: a scoping review protocol. Syst Rev 2024; 13:65. [PMID: 38351148 PMCID: PMC10863300 DOI: 10.1186/s13643-024-02458-8] [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: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We plan a scoping review aimed to synthesize what is known about the use of sensory-driven body illusion (BI) interventions for understanding and treating body image disturbance (BID) in people diagnosed with clinical eating disorders (EDs) and people with subclinical ED symptomatology. Our study will provide an outline of the current literature, identify gaps within the literature, and suggest novel directions for future research. METHODS/DESIGN The scoping review process will be guided by the methodological framework of Arksey and O'Malley, subsequent recommendations by Levac et al., and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis Protocols Extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines. The following electronic databases will be systematically searched: MEDLINE (via PubMed), Web of Science, PsycINFO, and Scopus. Furthermore, to identify additional studies, we will use a search engine such as Google Scholar, and for grey literature, we will include Proquest for Dissertations and Theses. A search strategy has been identified and agreed upon by the research team in conjunction with a research librarian. Two researchers will screen the titles and abstracts independently and then assess the full text of the selected citations for the inclusion criteria. A third reviewer will be involved in cases of disagreement. Data will be extracted, collated, and charted to summarize all the relevant methods, outcomes, and key findings in the articles. DISCUSSION A better understanding of this topic will aid in the development and refinement of current treatments aimed at treating BID in people with EDs. Implications and recommendations for research, policy, and practice in the context of the ED community will be discussed. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION https://osf.io/3bcm6/?view_only=83b2e8a2445d4266909992e3dfb51929.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Navas-León
- Department of Psychology, Universidad Loyola Andalucía, Avda. de Las Universidades S/N, 41704, Dos Hermanas, Seville, Spain
| | - Ana Tajadura-Jiménez
- UCL Interaction Centre, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
- DEI Interactive Systems Group, Department of Computer Science, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, 28911, Madrid, Spain
| | - Emma Motrico
- Department of Psychology, Universidad Loyola Andalucía, Avda. de Las Universidades S/N, 41704, Dos Hermanas, Seville, Spain
| | - Luis Morales
- Department of Psychology, Universidad Loyola Andalucía, Avda. de Las Universidades S/N, 41704, Dos Hermanas, Seville, Spain
| | - Mercedes Borda-Mas
- Departamento de Personalidad, Evaluación y Tratamiento Psicológicos, Universidad de Sevilla, 41018, Seville, Spain
| | - Nerea Almeda
- Department of Psychology, Universidad Loyola Andalucía, Avda. de Las Universidades S/N, 41704, Dos Hermanas, Seville, Spain
| | - Milagrosa Sánchez-Martín
- Department of Psychology, Universidad Loyola Andalucía, Avda. de Las Universidades S/N, 41704, Dos Hermanas, Seville, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Crossland AE, Munns L, Kirk E, Preston CEJ. Comparing body image dissatisfaction between pregnant women and non-pregnant women: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2023; 23:709. [PMID: 37794358 PMCID: PMC10548696 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-023-05930-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Body image dissatisfaction refers to negative thoughts and feelings individuals have towards their own body appearance and this is thought to be affected by the physiological changes that occur during pregnancy. There are two main conflicting theories as to the effect pregnancy has on body image dissatisfaction: 1) Pregnancy related changes are in direct conflict with social ideas of female beauty (e.g. weight gain) and so increase body image dissatisfaction; 2) Due to changes in expectations of bodily appearance during pregnancy, women are liberated from social ideals at this time and thus body image dissatisfaction would decrease. This study aimed to assess these theories by synthesising the current literature. Six databases were searched, and 2,017 study abstracts were screened based on strict inclusion and exclusion criteria. Following screening and quality assessment by two blind reviewers, 17 studies (comprising 17 effect sizes) were subject to full review and meta-analysis following PRISMA guidelines. These studies included cross-sectional, longitudinal and retrospective designs. Results varied with some studies showing women to feel more positive about their body during pregnancy, others showing a more negative body experience and yet others showing no statistical difference. Overall the analysis showed no statistical difference in body image dissatisfaction between pregnant women and non-pregnant women (p = 0.39). Any changes that do occur are heterogeneous and likely to be largely dependent on the individual experience as well as moderator variables and other factors such as differences in methodology of research studies. Studies in this field of research would benefit from more explicit and complete reporting of data and key variables, in order to allow early intervention for women who display body image dissatisfaction in pregnancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Lydia Munns
- Department of Psychology, University of York, Heslington, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Elizabeth Kirk
- School of Psychology and Sport Science, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, CB1 1PT, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Colle L, Hilviu D, Boggio M, Toso A, Longo P, Abbate-Daga G, Garbarini F, Fossataro C. Abnormal sense of agency in eating disorders. Sci Rep 2023; 13:14176. [PMID: 37648816 PMCID: PMC10469170 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-41345-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The feeling of controlling one's own actions and, through them, impacting the external environment (i.e. Sense of Agency-SoA) can be relevant in the eating disorders (EDs) symptomatology. Yet, it has been poorly investigated. This study aims to implicitly assess SoA exploiting the Sensory Attenuation paradigm in two groups of EDs patients (Anorexia Nervosa Restrictive and Anorexia Nervosa Binge-Purging or Bulimia Nervosa) compared to a control group. We find that controls perceive self-generated stimuli as less intense than other-generated ones showing the classic pattern of sensory attenuation. By contrast, EDs patients show the opposite pattern, with self-generated perceived as more intense than other-generated stimuli. This result indicates an alteration of the implicit component of the feeling of control in EDs patients, thus suggesting a potential implication of these results for the clinical practice and the treatment of EDs symptomatology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Livia Colle
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Dize Hilviu
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Monica Boggio
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Alessandra Toso
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza, Turin, Italy
| | - Paola Longo
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza, Turin, Italy
| | - Giovanni Abbate-Daga
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Carlotta Fossataro
- MANIBUS Lab, Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Spinoni M, Singh Solorzano C, Grano C. A prospective study on body image disturbances during pregnancy and postpartum: the role of cognitive reappraisal. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1200819. [PMID: 37621944 PMCID: PMC10444978 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1200819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background During pregnancy, body size rapidly modifies over a relatively short period. Literature emphasizes the need to identify the factors that influence body image during peripartum as the extent of women's adaptation to these changes has significant repercussions on both mother's and newborn's health. Emotion regulation strategies (i.e., expressive suppression and cognitive reappraisal) were linked to body image in the general and clinical population, but no studies were conducted in the peripartum. The present study aims to investigate the longitudinal impact of prepartum body image disturbances on postpartum body image disturbances and to evaluate the mediational role of emotional regulation strategies. Methods A total of 133 pregnant women completed a three-phase longitudinal study. Women answered online questionnaires during the second (T1) and the third (T2) trimesters of pregnancy, and at about 6 months postpartum (T3). Results Findings indicated that body image disturbances at T1 were a significant predictor of body image disturbances in the postpartum (1 year after the first assessment). Moreover, cognitive reappraisal measured at T2 partially mediated this relationship: body image disturbances in the second trimester of pregnancy were linked to less use of cognitive reappraisal in the third trimester of pregnancy, and this, in turn, was associated with worse body image disturbances at 6 months after birth. Conclusion Findings of this longitudinal study highlight the importance of assessing body image disturbances during pregnancy to early identify women at risk, and suggest cognitive reappraisal as a possible target intervention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Caterina Grano
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University, Via dei Marsi, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Raoul L, Grosbras MH. Relating different Dimensions of Bodily Experiences: Review and proposition of an integrative model relying on phenomenology, predictive brain and neuroscience of the self. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 148:105141. [PMID: 36965863 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/27/2023]
Abstract
How we mentally experience our body has been studied in a variety research domains. Each of these domains focuses in its own ways on different aspects of the body, namely the neurophysiological, perceptual, affective or social components, and proposes different conceptual taxonomies. It is therefore difficult to find one's way through this vast literature and to grasp the relationships between the different dimensions of bodily experiences. In this narrative review, we summarize the existing research directions and present their limits. We propose an integrative framework, grounded in studies on phenomenal consciousness, self-consciousness and bodily self-consciousness, that can provide a common basis for evaluating findings on different dimensions of bodily experiences. We review the putative mechanisms, relying on predictive processes, and neural substrates that support this model. We discuss how this model enables a conceptual assessment of the interrelationships between multiple dimensions of bodily experiences and potentiate interdisciplinary approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Raoul
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, LNC, Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives, Marseille, France.
| | - Marie-Hélène Grosbras
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, LNC, Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives, Marseille, France.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Navas-León S, Morales Márquez L, Sánchez-Martín M, Crucianelli L, Bianchi-Berthouze N, Borda-Mas M, Tajadura-Jiménez A. Exploring multisensory integration of non-naturalistic sounds on body perception in young females with eating disorders symptomatology: a study protocol. J Eat Disord 2023; 11:28. [PMID: 36849992 PMCID: PMC9969697 DOI: 10.1186/s40337-023-00749-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bodily illusions can be used to investigate the experience of being in a body by manipulating the underlying processes of multisensory integration. Research suggests that people with eating disorders (EDs) may have impairments in visual, interoceptive, proprioceptive, and tactile bodily perception. Furthermore, people with EDs also show abnormalities in integrating multisensory visuo-tactile and visual-auditory signals related to the body, which may contribute to the development of body image disturbances. Visuo-auditory integration abnormalities have been observed also in people with subthreshold ED symptomatology. However, it remains unclear whether these impairments are specific to bodily signals or if they extend to any auditory signals. METHODS We will recruit 50 participants (aged 18-24; females assigned at birth) with ED symptomatology (subthreshold group) and 50 control participants. The Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire will be administered to screen for ED symptomatology and divide the sample into two groups accordingly (control and subthreshold group using a clinical cut-off score of 2.8). The strength of both illusions will be measured implicitly with estimations of body part position and size, and explicitly with self-report questionnaires. As a secondary aim, regression analysis will be run to test the predictive role of susceptibility for both illusions on interoceptive body awareness (measured by the Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness Scale) and sensory-processing sensitivity (measured by the Highly Sensitive Person Scale). DISCUSSION Our study may contribute to our understanding of the mechanisms underlying body image disturbances. The results may pave the way for novel clinical interventions targeting early symptoms prior to the development of the disorder in young females.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Navas-León
- Department of Psychology, Universidad Loyola Andalucía, Dos Hermanas, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Ana Tajadura-Jiménez
- UCL Interaction Centre, University College London, London, UK. .,i_mBODY lab, DEI Interactive Systems Group, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Jones H, McIntosh VV, Britt E, Carter JD, Jordan J, Bulik CM. The effect of temperament and character on body dissatisfaction in women with bulimia nervosa: The role of low self‐esteem and depression. EUROPEAN EATING DISORDERS REVIEW 2022; 30:388-400. [PMID: 35368118 PMCID: PMC9325425 DOI: 10.1002/erv.2899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Objective Method Results Conclusions Low self‐esteem and depression were examined as mediators of associations between temperament and character dimensions and body dissatisfaction in women with bulimia nervosa. Harm avoidance contributed significantly to body dissatisfaction. The association between harm avoidance and body dissatisfaction was mediated by low self‐esteem alone and depression and low self‐esteem in serial.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Jones
- School of Psychology, Speech and Hearing University of Canterbury Christchurch New Zealand
| | - Virginia V.W. McIntosh
- School of Psychology, Speech and Hearing University of Canterbury Christchurch New Zealand
| | - Eileen Britt
- School of Psychology, Speech and Hearing University of Canterbury Christchurch New Zealand
| | - Janet D. Carter
- School of Psychology, Speech and Hearing University of Canterbury Christchurch New Zealand
| | - Jennifer Jordan
- Department of Psychological Medicine University of Otago Christchurch New Zealand
- Clinical Research Unit Canterbury District Health Board Christchurch New Zealand
| | - Cynthia M. Bulik
- Department of Psychiatry University of North Carolina Chapel Hill North Carolina USA
- Department of Nutrition University of North Carolina Chapel Hill North Carolina USA
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics Karolinska Institutet Stockholm Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Efstathiou M, Delicato LS, Sedda A. Normal or tingly? A story about hands and feet. Somatosens Mot Res 2021; 39:46-54. [PMID: 34706598 DOI: 10.1080/08990220.2021.1993440] [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: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Spontaneous sensations (SPS) are sensations that are felt in the body in the absence of external stimulation. The literature on SPS has used explicit measures, such as questionnaires to explore SPS, while no studies to date have examined SPS on an implicit level. This study was conducted to collect representative stimuli that can be used to build such a task, for example, an Implicit Association Test. METHODS An online survey was completed by 18 participants to identify the most frequent words used to describe our limbs in the presence or absence of SPS. RESULTS Individuals who perceive and those who do not perceive SPS in their limbs describe their limbs as normal, while the most frequently described SPS were itching and tingling. CONCLUSIONS Thus, we use the same words/adjectives to describe how we perceive our limbs. However, the way we experience SPS varies as we experience more SPS in hands than feet.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Myrto Efstathiou
- Centre for Applied Behavioural Sciences, Department of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Louise S Delicato
- Centre for Applied Behavioural Sciences, Department of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Anna Sedda
- Centre for Applied Behavioural Sciences, Department of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, UK
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Riva G, Malighetti C, Serino S. Virtual reality in the treatment of eating disorders. Clin Psychol Psychother 2021; 28:477-488. [PMID: 34048622 PMCID: PMC8362149 DOI: 10.1002/cpp.2622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Over the last 25 years, virtual reality (VR) has offered innovative solutions for targeting different key symptoms of eating disorders: from craving to negative emotions, from attentional biases to body dissatisfaction. The present narrative review assesses the existing literature in these areas trying to identify their different levels of clinical evidence. Specifically, the review presents four clinical approaches based upon VR and their implications in the treatment of eating disorders: VR cue exposure, VR reference frame shifting, VR for correcting body distortions and attentional biases. In general, existing findings demonstrate the clinical value of VR. On one side, the present review suggests that two VR-based techniques-VR exposure and reference frame shifting-have a significant research support and provide a possible advantage over traditional cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) for bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder. On the other side, two emerging VR applications-multisensory body illusions and the use of VR for the modification of attentional biases-even if supported by preliminary data still need further research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Riva
- Applied Technology for Neuro‐Psychology Lab.Istituto Auxologico ItalianoMilanItaly
- Humane Technology Lab.Università Cattolica del Sacro CuoreMilanItaly
| | - Clelia Malighetti
- Humane Technology Lab.Università Cattolica del Sacro CuoreMilanItaly
| | - Silvia Serino
- Humane Technology Lab.Università Cattolica del Sacro CuoreMilanItaly
| |
Collapse
|