The impact of perceptual, cognitive and behavioural factors on dissociative experiences and body disturbance in eating disorders: an exploratory study

Abstract

ABSTRACTDissociation is observed in eating disorders (EDs) and has been linked to body image disturbance. Evidence suggests dissociation may undermine the stability of body image and create a vulnerability to body dissatisfaction. This exploratory study investigated the relationships between experiences of dissociation, body image disturbance and perceptual body image instability in a group of ED individuals, dieters (DT), and non-dieting healthy controls (HC). Sixty participants (ED = 20; DT = 20; HC = 20) completed experimental and self-report measures of dissociation, body disturbance, body checking and body image instability. Perceptual body image instability was measured using the Rubber Hand Illusion. ED individuals experience higher levels of dissociation, body image disturbance and body checking than HC and DT. Perceptual body image instability did not significantly differ between groups (η² = 0.17). Mediation analysis showed body checking cognitions contribute to the relationship between psycholo...