6533b852fe1ef96bd12aaed7

RESEARCH PRODUCT

Static and dynamic body image in bulimia nervosa: mental representation of body dimensions and biological motion patterns.

Silja VocksHeinz RüddelTanja LegenbauerNikolaus F. Troje

subject

AdultBulimia nervosamedia_common.quotation_subjectMotion PerceptionBody movementmedicine.diseaseMotion (physics)Self ConceptDevelopmental psychologyPsychiatry and Mental healthDistortionPerceptionSurveys and QuestionnairesmedicineMental representationBody ImageHumansComputer SimulationFemaleMotion perceptionPsychologyBulimia Nervosamedia_commonBiological motionCognitive psychology

description

The aim of the present study was to find out whether in bulimia nervosa the perceptual component of a disturbed body image is restricted to the overestimation of one's own body dimensions (static body image) or can be extended to a misperception of one's own motion patterns (dynamic body image).Participants with bulimia nervosa (n = 30) and normal controls (n = 55) estimated their body dimensions by means of a photo distortion technique and their walking patterns using a biological motion distortion device.Not only did participants with bulimia nervosa overestimate their own body dimensions, but also they perceived their own motion patterns corresponding to a higher BMI than did controls. Static body image was correlated with shape/weight concerns and drive for thinness, whereas dynamic body image was associated with social insecurity and body image avoidance.In bulimia nervosa, body image disturbances can be extended to a dynamic component.

10.1002/eat.20336https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16941626