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Dyscontrol evoked by erotic and food images in women with bulimia nervosa
Author(s) -
Rodríguez Sonia,
Mata José L.,
Lameiras María,
Fernández M. Carmen,
Vila Jaime
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
european eating disorders review
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.511
H-Index - 67
eISSN - 1099-0968
pISSN - 1072-4133
DOI - 10.1002/erv.724
Subject(s) - bulimia nervosa , eating disorders , psychology , psychotherapist , clinical psychology , psychiatry
The present study examined the emotional reactivity to erotic and food images of women with and without bulimia nervosa using the picture‐viewing paradigm. A non‐clinical student sample made up of 48 women, 24 diagnosed with bulimia nervosa and 24 healthy controls, aged between 18 and 27 years ( M =21.79), participated in the study. Diagnosis was based on questionnaires and a structured interview following DSM‐IV criteria. Participants assessed a set of food, erotic, neutral and unpleasant pictures using the Self‐Assessment Manikin scales of valence, arousal and control. The women with bulimia nervosa rated as less pleasant the erotic and food pictures, which evoked greater dyscontrol, in comparison with the women without bulimia nervosa. No significant differences were found in the ratings for the remaining pictures. These results suggest that women with bulimia nervosa experience reduced pleasure and control over both food and sexual impulses. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.