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Static and dynamic body image in bulimia nervosa: Mental representation of body dimensions and biological motion patterns
Author(s) -
Vocks Silja,
Legenbauer Tanja,
Rüddel Heinz,
Troje Nikolaus F.
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
international journal of eating disorders
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.785
H-Index - 138
eISSN - 1098-108X
pISSN - 0276-3478
DOI - 10.1002/eat.20336
Subject(s) - bulimia nervosa , psychology , motion (physics) , perception , distortion (music) , developmental psychology , eating disorders , clinical psychology , computer vision , neuroscience , computer science , amplifier , computer network , bandwidth (computing)
Objective: 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). Method: 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. Results: 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. Conclusion: In bulimia nervosa, body image disturbances can be extended to a dynamic component. © 2006 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2006