Eating Disorder Inventory Subscales Research Articles

Prevalence of Eating Disorders among Competitive Rowers

Internationally, few studies have been written on the prevalence of eating disorders among rowers, and there is no research on the subject in Hungary. This is particularly important in weight-related sports such as rowing. The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of eating disorders among rowers. A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted in the summer of 2023. In a non-random convenience sampling, our target population consisted of certified competitive rowers (n = 222). In addition to socio-demographic, performance-related questions, the anonymous, self-completed questionnaire used the validated The Eating Disorder Inventory (EDI). Results were considered significant when p < 0.05. A total of 57 lightweight (25.67%) and 165 openweight (74.33%) rowers participated in the study. On the perfectionism subscale and the interoceptive awareness subscale, rowers competing in the lightweight category scored significantly higher (p = 0.03; p = 0.05). Scores on the EDI subscales, gender and BMI data did not show significant relationships. Overall, rowers in the openweight group scored higher on the bulimia subscale, but no rowers who met all criteria and could be identified as having eating disorders. Rowers who have only competed in national championships and not in international competitions were more likely to reduce stress levels by eating. The study showed that the prevalence of eating disorders among rowers is no higher than in the general population. However, continued assessment, further extensive research and education of rowers is essential in this area, as weight-related sports will always be a risk group for eating disorders.

Characteristics of Stressful Life Events and Its Relationship With Body Disperception in Patients With Eating Disorders

ObjectiveA distorted body image and body dissatisfaction (BD) are key features of eating disorders (ED). Stressful life events (SLEs) are involved in the evolution of the illness. The study aims to evaluate the relationship between SLEs and disturbance in body image. MethodCross-sectional, retrospective study. ED participants were outpatients from the unit care of ED. Healthy subjects (HS) were recruited by general advisements. A final sample of 119 (78 patients and 41 HS) was recruited. The traumatic life event questionnaire, the dissociative experiences scale, the Contour Drawing Rating Scale, and the eating disorder inventory (EDI) were used for assessment. ResultsNo differences between groups were found in mean age, sex, level of study, or SLEs prevalence. ED patients reported significantly more levels of dissociative experiences, BD, and body misperception. ED patients who reported SLEs presented more levels of dissociation, bulimia, perfectionism, impulsivity, and overestimation of the shape in the mirror. Besides, patients who overestimated their shape seemed to show more impulsivity. BD correlated with social insecurity and binging in the control group. HS with overestimation of their shape presented more punctuation in the EDI subscale of bulimia. ConclusionsED patients tend to overestimate their bodies more than HS both when they look in the mirror and when they feel their shape. Those with a greater number of SLEs have greater levels of dissociation. The presence of interpersonal SLEs determined more perfectionism, impulsivity, a distorted body image in the mirror, and a drive of thinness only in ED patients, while healthy subjects reported more anxiety, social insecurity, and non-planned impulsivity.

Exercise Dependence and Body Image Concerns Amongst Group Fitness Instructors: A Self-Determination Theory Approach.

IntroductionDespite the fact that group fitness instructors serve as significant role models with potentially great impact on class participants' motivation for exercise, they are a very under-researched group. The aim of this study was therefore to examine group fitness instructors' motivational regulations for exercise, and how these motivational regulations can predict symptoms of exercise dependence and body image concerns.MethodsGroup fitness instructors from the largest fitness companies in Norway (n = 837, response rate: 57%) completed an online survey with reference to the Situational Motivation Scale (SIMS), the Exercise Dependence Scale (EDS), the Eating Disorders Inventory subscales drive for thinness (EDI-DT) and body dissatisfaction (EDI-BD), and their weekly amount of exercise and instruction.ResultsThe instructors scored high on identified regulation and intrinsic regulation for exercise. EDS total score was positively correlated with all SIMS subscales and weekly instruction was positively correlated with Intrinsic regulation. Multiple hierarchical regression analyses found that both self-determined motivational regulations as well as external regulation positively predicted their EDS score. External regulation positively predicted EDI-DT, and EDI-BD.ConclusionGroup fitness instructors seem highly intrinsically motivated for exercise, which is hypothesized to have a positive impact on group fitness class participants. High self-determined exercise behavior does not seem to buffer against symptoms of exercise dependence within this specific population. There is a need for awareness of group fitness instructors who show high exercise dependency scores due to the link to body image concerns, amotivation and external regulated motivation.

The applicability of the Eating Disorder Inventory in pregnancy

PurposeThe aim of our study was validating Eating Disorder Inventory (EDI) among pregnant women, who are vulnerable to eating disorders (EDs).MethodsIn 2012–2013, 1146 women (aged 18–47 years) completed a questionnaire including EDI during the first 3 days after delivery. We checked factorial validity of three diagnostic subscales of EDI with confirmative factor analysis and internal validity by Cronbach’s alpha and item-total correlation. We also tested discriminative validity by comparing average of the three subscale of EDI in case of ED and non-ED groups.ResultsWhen applying the EDI to pregnant women, it seems necessary to exclude five items on three diagnostic subscales: on the Drive for Thinness subscale, 4 items remain (out of 7); on the Bulimia subscale, 6 items remain (out of 7); the Body Dissatisfaction subscale decreases from 9 to 8 items. Cronbach’s alpha and item-total correlation values meet the requirements defined by Garner et al. The internal consistency of the EDI has proved to be appropriate, indicating that it is a reliable screening tool.ConclusionsThinking, attitudes, and behaviors connected to eating, along with the relation to altering body weight change during pregnancy. Vomiting usually accompanies pregnancy; body weight gain within wide limits is also regarded as normal during pregnancy. These behaviors and changes are not feasible to use for measuring ED symptoms. These aspects cannot be neglected when screening eating disorders in pregnant women.Level of evidenceLevel IV evidence obtained from multiple time series with or without an intervention.

Reliability and validity of the Japanese translation of the Eating Disorders Quality of Life (ED-QOL) scale for Japanese healthy female university undergraduate students and patients with eating disorders

BackgroundThe Eating Disorder Quality of Life (ED-QOL) scale is a 25-item self-report measure that assesses health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of eating-disorder patients. Although the ED-QOL is one of the most widely used questionnaires in many countries, no prior research has addressed the psychometric properties of the Japanese translation of the ED-QOL. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to assess its reliability and validity.MethodsA total of 99 Japanese female eating disorder patients and 469 female healthy university undergraduate students completed the Japanese translation of the ED-QOL in addition to the Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26) and Eating Disorder Inventory-2 (EDI-2). The patient group consisted of 37 patients with anorexia nervosa restricting type (AN-R), 35 patients with binge-eating/purge type (AN-BP), and 27 patients with bulimia nervosa (BN). We performed confirmatory factor analyses on the ED-QOL subscales both for Japanese eating disorder patients and for healthy university undergraduate students. Reliability was assessed using internal consistency indicated by Cronbach alpha coefficients and convergent validity was assessed using Pearson’s correlation coefficients. To assess group differences between the eating disorder patients and healthy university undergraduate students, Student’s t-tests were conducted.ResultsThe CFA showed that the CFI was .90 and RMSEA was .084 (90% confidence interval = .079–.088). The internal consistency of the ED-QOL varied from good to excellent. The EAT-26 total score and three subscales and the EDI-2 subscales had significant correlations with the ED-QOL global QOL score and four subscales. There were no significant correlations between the EDI-2 subscale “Body Dissatisfaction” and the ED-QOL subscales “Physical/Cognitive” and “Work/School”. Eating disorder patients scored significantly higher than healthy university undergraduate students on all ED-QOL subscales and the global QOL score.ConclusionsBased on this study, the Japanese translation of the ED-QOL can be regarded as reliable, valid, and functional for female eating-disorder patients and female healthy university undergraduate students.

Personality Features and Defense Styles in Subjects Affected with Eating Disorders: Focus on Anorexia and Bulimia Nervosa

Eating disorders have been reported to be characterized by a specific profile of psychological defenses. Defense mechanisms refer to involuntary psychological processes, relatively stable cognitive response patterns that may serve to distort reality whenever individual resources, skills or motivations do not ensure functional adaptation to internal or external stressful situations. The present study aims at investigating and comparing defense mechanisms and personality correlates in three subgroups of patients with eating disorders (anorexia restrictive type, anorexia bulimic/purging type, and bulimia nervosa) consecutively recruited to a regional outpatient specialist service for eating disorders. Through a retrospective chart review, we recruited 104 adult subjects with a diagnosis of anorexia nervosa (n=62) and bulimia nervosa (n=42), who were administered with Defense Mechanism Inventory (DMI), Eating Disorder Inventory-2 (EDI-2) and the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5® Personality Disorders (SCID-5-PD). Statistical analyses were carried out by using ANOVA and X2 test, where appropriate. The mean age of participants was 23 (±SD=8) and 26 (±SD=8) years, respectively in AN and BN sample. Amongst bulimic outpatients, clinically significant differences were found in “turning against the self” (TAS, p<0.001), drive for thinness (DT, p=0.012), bulimia (BU, p<0.001), body dissatisfaction (BD, p=0.010), interoceptive awareness (IA, p=.006) subscales and in borderline personality traits (p=0.038). Positive correlations were found between TAS subscale and the EDI-2 subscales (BU and ineffectiveness (I)); whilst negative correlations were present between TAS and obsessive-compulsive traits. Amongst anorexic outpatients, significant negative correlations were found between the DMI subscale (principalization, PRN) and EDI-2 subscales (BU, I, IA and asceticism (ASC)); whilst positive correlations between TAS and I, ASC and social insecurity (SI), particularly in anorexia restrictive type, and DMI subscale “turning against the object” (TAO) and narcissistic (p=0.05) and obsessive-compulsive personality traits (p=0.002). Significant differences were found between PRN and anorexia restrictive type (p=0.04) and TAO in anorexia bulimic/purgative type (p=0.029). Overall, anorexic subjects significantly displayed a trend for obsessive-compulsive traits. In particular, anorexia restrictive type subjects preferentially use intellectualizing defense styles, whilst anorexia bulimic/purgative type subjects use more “aggressive” defense styles. Subjects with bulimia nervosa preferentially display intropunitive defense styles and borderline personality traits. Therefore, investigating and deepening the specific pattern of defense mechanisms and associated personality traits in eating disorders may be useful from a clinical perspective to better understand the clinical course of eating disorders and to shape more individualized therapeutic interventions for eating disorders.

Disordered eating behaviours in female physique athletes

Despite substantial growth in participation rates in physique sports, little is known about the modern day female physique athlete. The extreme physique traits of successful female physique athletes suggest this population may be particularly at risk of developing disordered eating (DE). The aim of this study was to determine if female physique athletes across the main divisions of bikini, fitness, figure and bodybuilding were at risk of DE and to explore possible associated risk factors. Furthermore, we aimed to investigate differences in incidence of DE across divisions given differences in physique requirements. Female physique athletes (n = 348) were recruited using targeted methods and completed an online survey based on validated questionnaires, including the Drive for Thinness, Body Dissatisfaction, and Bulimia subscales of the Eating Disorder Inventory (EDI), Pathogenic Weight Control Measures (PWCM), and the Cognitive Dietary Restraint subscale of the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ-CDR). Athletes scoring above the cut off values for one or more of the EDI subscales or engaged in at least one of the most concerning PWCM (binge eating, laxative use, and self-induced vomiting) were considered at risk of DE. Approximately half of the participants were identified with DE (46.6%), independent of division, with 27.3% exhibiting clinical and 19.3% having subclinical DE. Furthermore, approximately half (48.9%) of participants engaged in at least one of the most concerning PWCM within the past three months, with a smaller proportion (5.2%) engaging in all three PWCM. Weak but significant correlations were found between some EDI subscales and reason for sport participation, BMI and body composition goals. Drive for thinness and body dissatisfaction were positively associated with use of PWCM. In conclusion, a high proportion of female physique athletes were identified with DE, with a concerning number of athletes engaging in harmful PWCM.

Emotion and overeating behavior: effects of alexithymia and emotional regulation on overweight and obesity.

Obesity and overweight are significant risk factors for many serious diseases. Several studies have investigated the relationship between emotional regulation and overweight or obesity in people with eating disorders. Although a few studies have explored alexithymia in individuals with severe obesity without eating disorders, no attention has been paid to individuals with overweight and preclinical form of obesity. This study aims to assess whether overweight and obesity are related to emotional dysregulation and alexithymia. The study involved 111 undergraduate students who had not been diagnosed with an eating disorder. The sample was divided into two groups according to their body mass index (BMI): normal weight (N = 55) and overweight (N = 56). All of them completed the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), the Emotional Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ), and the Eating Disorder Inventory-2 (EDI-2). Results showed higher levels of alexithymia, and specifically higher difficulty in identifying feelings and an externally oriented thought, in participants with overweight. Multiple correlation analysis highlighted the positive relations between some EDI-2 subscales and both alexithymia and emotional regulation scores. Linear regressions revealed a significant relationship between body BMI and both alexithymia and emotional regulation strategies. The condition of overweight/obesity seems to be associated with higher emotional dysregulation compared to normal weight condition. It is essential to study this relationship because it could represent a risk factor for the worsening of problems related to overeating and excessive body weight. These findings suggest that an integrated approach aimed at considering the promotion of emotional regulation could contribute to the effectiveness of a program designed to reduce overweight and obesity. Level III: case-control analytic study.

Diferencias de sexo en la imagen corporal de los adolescentes de Huelva atendiendo a su índice de masa corporal

El objetivo principal de este estudio es comprobar las diferencias en la percepción de la imagen corporal (en adelante IC) de los adolescentes de Huelva atendiendo a su índice de masa corporal (en adelante IMC). La muestra estuvo compuesta por 226 estudiantes, con edades comprendidas entre 12 y 18 años (M= 13,94; DT= 1,41). La distribución por sexo fue de 54,9% de chicos (n= 124) y 45,1% de chicas (n= 102). Los instrumentos que se utilizaron para evaluar los diferentes componentes de la IC fueron: 1) Para evaluar el componente perceptual se utilizó el método de estimación corporal global de Gardner, Stark, Jackson y Friedman (1999), adaptado al español por Rodríguez, Beato, Rodríguez y Martínez (2003). 2) Para evaluar el componente subjetivo se utilizó la subescala de insatisfacción corporal del Eating Disorders Inventory de Garner, Polivy y Olmstead (1983), adaptado a la población española por Garner (1998). 3) Para evaluar el componente conductual se utilizó el Body Image Avoidance Questionnaire (BIAQ), de Rosen, Salzberg, Srebnik y Went (1991). A medida que aumenta el IMC aumenta el grado de insatisfacción, la obsesión por la delgadez, la puntuación total del BIAQ y la restricción de comida tanto en chicos como en chicas. Asimismo, a medida que aumenta el IMC desciende la bulimia de los chicos y aumenta la tendencia a pesarse y acicalarse de las chicas. Más de la mitad de chicos y chicas independientemente de la categoría del IMC presentan insatisfacción corporal con el deseo de perder peso.

Adaptation and validation of the Hungarian version of the Yale Food Addiction Scale for Children.

BackgroundChildhood obesity proves to be an important public health issue, since it serves as a potential risk factor for multiple diseases. Food addiction could also serve as an important etiological factor. As childhood obesity plays a serious issue also in Hungary, we aimed to adapt and validate the Hungarian version of the Yale Food Addiction Scale for Children (H-YFAS-C).MethodsA total of 191 children were assessed with the H-YFAS-C and the Eating Disorder Inventory (EDI). The following psychometric properties were analyzed: internal consistency, construct validity, convergent, and discriminant validity.ResultsA good construct validity was revealed by confirmatory factor analysis (RMSEA = 0.0528, CFI = 0.896, χ2 value = 279.06). Question 25 proved to have no significant effect on its group and was removed from further analyses. The Kuder–Richardson 20 coefficient indicated good internal consistency (K20 = 0.82). With the use of the eight EDI subscales, a good convergent and discriminant validity could be determined. Food addiction was diagnosed in 8.9% of children. The mean symptom count was 1.7 ± 1.2 (range: 0–7). Females were more often diagnosed with food addiction than males (p = .016; OR = 3.6, 95% CI: 1.2–10.6). BMI percentiles were significantly higher in children with diagnosed food addiction (p = .003). There proved to be no correlation between age and the occurrence of food addiction.Discussion and conclusionOur results show that H-YFAS-C is a good and reliable tool for addictive-like behavior assessment.

Growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor 1 secretions in eating disorders: Correlations with psychopathological aspects of the disorders

Hormonal alterations in Eating Disorders (ED) may result from the biochemical stress of malnutrition/starvation. The correlations between some hormonal impairments, particularly of the somatotropic axis, and the psychopathological aspects of ED are still undefined. We measured the plasma concentrations of the somatotropic hormone (GH) and the insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) in 136 patients with various forms of ED, 65 with restricted Anorexia Nervosa (ANR), 19 with bingeing-purging Anorexia Nervosa (ANBP), 12 with purging-non binging Anorexia Nervosa (ANP), 26 with Bulimia Nervosa (BN), 8 with ED not otherwise specified-anorexic type (EDNOS-AN), 7 with ED not otherwise specified-bulimic type (EDNOS-BN) and in 30 healthy controls. Psychological assessment of patients and controls was performed using two outpatient rating scales, the Eating Disorder Inventory-2 (EDI-2) and the Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90). Significant negative or positive correlations were observed between GH-IGF-1 concentrations and impairments on several EDI-2 subscales (drive for thinness, body dissatisfaction, interoceptive awareness, sense of ineffectiveness, interpersonal distrust, maturity fear) and on SCL-90 subitems (depression, hostility, obsessivity compulsivity, anxiety), suggesting a possible hormonal modulatory effect on specific aspects of ED psychopathology.

Turkish version of body attitude test: Its reliability and validity

IntroductionBreast cancer (BC) may cause problems on body perception and awareness which can be perceived as a threat on body attitude among women with breast cancer.ObjectivesThe Body Attitude Test (BAT) assesses subjective attitude toward women's own body.AimThe aim of the present study was to develop the Turkish version of the BAT and examine its reliability and validity.MethodsThe study group (SD) consisted of 72 women diagnosed with BC while 100 healthy women (HW). The women evaluated by BAT, Eating Disorder Inventory (EDI) and Self Esteem Inventory (SEI) in 7–10 days intervals. Internal consistency was determined with Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Factor analysis was conducted on BAT ratings given by control group.ResultsThe mean age was 43.7 ± 8.76 of women with BC while 46.4 ± 10.84 in HW. Mean duration of cancer was 2.4 ± 0.7 years. Factor analysis showed BAT was composed of two factors as body dissatisfaction and lack of familiarity with one's body. The BAT demonstrates satisfactory level of internal reliability (α = 0.932). BAT was related with EDI subscales: drive for thinness (r = 0.741, P < 0.001), ineffectiveness (r = 0.736, P < 0.001) and body dissatisfaction (P = 0.718, P < 0.001) and SEI subscale: familial self-esteem (r = -0.629, P < 0.001).ConclusionThe results support the validity and reliability of BAT which is able to differentiate the clinical and non-clinical form of subjective attitude toward women's own body. Turkish version of BAT could be used as an appropriate measure for assessing subjective attitude towards own body in women with and without breast cancer in Turkey.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Body image and eating behavior in young adults born preterm.

Previous studies have suggested that people born preterm have increased rates of eating disorders (ED). However, a recent study suggested lower levels of ED-related symptoms in the extreme group of adults born preterm with very low birth weight (<1,500 g). We examined symptoms related to EDs in adults born early (<34 weeks of gestational age) or late (34 to <37 weeks of gestational age) preterm. We studied young adults (mean age 24.1 years) from two birth cohorts: ESTER (Northern Finland 1985-1989) and AYLS (Uusimaa, Finland, 1985-1986). Of the participants, 185 were born early preterm, 348 late preterm, and 637 were term-born controls (N = 1,170). They completed three subscales of the Eating Disorder Inventory (EDI)-2, including Drive for Thinness (DT), Body Dissatisfaction (BD), and Bulimia (B). Group differences were examined by linear regression. Young women born early preterm scored 4.1 points (95% CI -8.0, -0.2, P =.04) lower in summed EDI subscale scores than women born at term, when adjusted for age and cohort. This difference was observed also in DT and BD but not for B subscales. The differences persisted after adjustments for current, pre- and neonatal characteristics. We did not observe differences in EDI scores among men or women born late preterm when compared to controls. Women born early preterm have significantly fewer symptoms related to EDs in early adulthood when compared to their peers born at term, which may protect from developing an ED. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2016; 49:572-580).

Emotional neglect as the colossus among traumas in patients with eating disorders. A case-control study

IntroductionIndividuals with eating disorders (EDs) often report a history of early traumatization. Although a great attention has been paid to sexual and physical trauma, less is known about emotional one, especially neglect.Objectives/aimsWe aimed to estimate the prevalence of sexual, physical, and emotional trauma–occurring under 18 years of age–in ED patients vs. healthy controls, focusing on emotional abuse and neglect.MethodsWe consecutively recruited 57 DSM-V ED outpatients (91.2% females; age range = 18–42 years) at the Psychiatric Outpatient Clinic of our University Hospital and 90 healthy controls (78.9% females; age range = 20–39 years). Among ED patients, 43.9% had restrictive anorexia nervosa (AN), 29.8% binge/purging AN, 26.3% bulimia nervosa. Individuals completed the Eating Disorder Inventory-2 (EDI-2) and the Traumatic Experiences Checklist (TEC). We used Mann-Whitney U test and χ2 test for comparisons.ResultsED patients scored significantly higher than controls on all EDI-2 subscales (P-values &lt; 0.05). On the TEC, emotional trauma was more frequent than sexual/physical ones in both ED patients and controls. Emotional trauma, and to a lesser extent physical one, were significantly more frequent in ED patients than controls. Distinguishing between emotional abuse and neglect, the latter had a higher prevalence than the former in both groups. Additionally, ED patients reported significantly more neglect, but not emotional abuse, than controls.ConclusionsOur findings show a high prevalence of emotional trauma in EDs, mainly neglect, i.e., a lack of care and attention potentially contributing to EDs. Thus, it is crucial to investigate emotional neglect in ED patients.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Adolescent elite Kenyan runners are at risk for energy deficiency, menstrual dysfunction and disordered eating

Limited data are available on the female athlete triad (Triad) in athletes from minority groups. We explored subclinical and clinical Triad components amongst adolescent elite Kenyan athletes (n = 61) and non-athletes (n = 49). Participants completed demographic, health, sport and menstrual history questionnaires as well as a 5-day weighed dietary record and exercise log to calculate energy availability (EA). Ultrasound assessed calcaneus bone mineral density (BMD). Eating Disorder Inventory subscales and the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire’s cognitive dietary restraint subscale measured disordered eating (DE). EA was lower in athletes than non-athletes (36.5 ± 4.5 vs. 39.5 ± 5.7 kcal ∙ kg FFM−1 ∙ d−1, P = 0.003). More athletes were identified with clinical low EA (17.9% vs. 2.2%, OR = 9.5, 95% CI 1.17–77, P = 0.021) and clinical menstrual dysfunction (32.7% vs. 18.3%, χ2 = 7.1, P = 0.02). Subclinical (75.4% vs. 71.4%) and clinical DE (4.9% vs. 10.2%, P = 0.56) as well as BMD were similar between athletes and non-athletes. More athletes had two Triad components than non-athletes (8.9% vs. 0%, OR = 0.6, 95% CI 0.5–6.9, P = 0.05). Kenyan adolescent participants presented with one or more subclinical and/or clinical Triad component. It is essential that athletes and their entourage be educated on their energy needs including health and performance consequences of an energy deficiency.

The influence of eating psychopathology on autobiographical memory specificity and social problem-solving

The primary aim was to examine the influence of subclinical disordered eating on autobiographical memory specificity (AMS) and social problem solving (SPS). A further aim was to establish if AMS mediated the relationship between eating psychopathology and SPS. A non-clinical sample of 52 females completed the autobiographical memory test (AMT), where they were asked to retrieve specific memories of events from their past in response to cue words, and the means-end problem-solving task (MEPS), where they were asked to generate means of solving a series of social problems. Participants also completed the Eating Disorders Inventory (EDI) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. After controlling for mood, high scores on the EDI subscales, particularly Drive-for-Thinness, were associated with the retrieval of fewer specific and a greater proportion of categorical memories on the AMT and with the generation of fewer and less effective means on the MEPS. Memory specificity fully mediated the relationship between eating psychopathology and SPS. These findings have implications for individuals exhibiting high levels of disordered eating, as poor AMS and SPS are likely to impact negatively on their psychological wellbeing and everyday social functioning and could represent a risk factor for the development of clinically significant eating disorders.

Psychometric properties of the Polish version of the Body Attitude Test

Aim of the studyPolish studies have not been focused on measures which assess attitude toward one’s own body. The purpose of the study was to develop the Polish version of the Body Attitude Test (BAT) and examine its reliability.Subject or material and methodsThe study included 48 patients with anorexia nervosa, 39 patients with bulimia nervosa as well as 115 female university students. The mean age was 18.69 years (SD = 3.52) in women with anorexia, 22.28 years (SD = 3.79) in women with bulimia as well as 20.53 years (SD = 1.79) in women without a current eating disorder. The mean duration of illness was 3.31 years (SD = 2.71) in patients with anorexia and 5.10 years (SD = 2.92) in patients with bulimia, respectively.ResultsThe BAT demonstrates satisfactory levels of internal reliability (α = .892). The BAT was strongly related with the Eating Disorder Inventory subscales: drive for thinness (r = .687, p &lt; .001), ineffectiveness (r=.643, p&lt;.001) and body dissatisfaction (r=.634, p&lt;.001) and the Self-Esteem Inventory subscale: familial self-esteem (r=-.601, p&lt;.001). Women with eating disorders presented more negative body experience than women without a current eating disorder. In addition, patients with bulimia had more negative appreciation of their body size in comparison with patients with anorexia.DiscussionThe results support the criterion validity of the BAT which is able to differentiate clinical from non-clinical subjects.ConclusionsThe Polish version of the BAT could be used as an appropriate measure assessing subjective attitude towards the body in women with and without eating disorders in Poland.

Prevalence of Eating Disorders amongst Dancers: A Systemic Review and Meta‐Analysis

Eating disorders in dancers are thought to be common, but the exact rates remain to be clarified. The aim of this study is to systematically compile and analyse the rates of eating disorders in dancers. A literature search, appraisal and meta-analysis were conducted. Thirty-three relevant studies were published between 1966 and 2013 with sufficient data for extraction. Primary data were extracted as raw numbers or confidence intervals. Risk ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for controlled studies. The overall prevalence of eating disorders was 12.0% (16.4% for ballet dancers), 2.0% (4% for ballet dancers) for anorexia, 4.4% (2% for ballet dancers) for bulimia and 9.5% (14.9% for ballet dancers) for eating disorders not otherwise specified (EDNOS). The dancer group had higher mean scores on the EAT-26 and the Eating Disorder Inventory subscales. Dancers, in general, had a higher risk of suffering from eating disorders in general, anorexia nervosa and EDNOS, but no higher risk of suffering from bulimia nervosa. The study concluded that as dancers had a three times higher risk of suffering from eating disorders, particularly anorexia nervosa and EDNOS, specifically designed services for this population should be considered.

“Diagnostic shift” from eating disorder not otherwise specified to bulimia nervosa using DSM-5 criteria: A clinical comparison with DSM-IV bulimia

In the 5th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), the diagnostic threshold for binging and compensation in bulimia nervosa (BN) decreased from twice to once weekly for 3months. This study investigates the validity of this change by examining whether BN patients and those whose diagnoses “shift” to BN with DSM-5 are similar in their psychological functioning. EDNOS patients whose symptoms met DSM-5 BN criteria (n=25) were compared to DSM-IV BN patients (n=146) on clinically relevant variables. No differences were found on: BMI; weight-based self-evaluation; perfectionism; depression and anxiety symptoms; or readiness for change. Differences were found on one Eating Disorder Inventory subscale (i.e., bulimia), with the BN group reporting higher scores, consistent with group definitions. These findings support the modified criteria, suggesting that psychopathology both directly and indirectly related to eating disorders is comparable between those with once weekly versus more frequent bulimic episodes.

Adapted Group‐Based Dialectical Behaviour Therapy for Binge Eating in a Practicing Clinic: Clinical Outcomes and Attrition

Research evidence has been accumulating for the efficacy of dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) for binge eating. However, support for its effectiveness and transportability beyond efficacy trials is lacking. The current study evaluated the feasibility of group-based DBT for binge eating within the context of an operating community clinic. Women ages 24-49 (M = 39.60, SD = 9.53) with either subthreshold and full-threshold binge eating disorder or bulimia nervosa formed the group and comprised the sample (n = 5 treatment completers). Positive outcomes included significant improvement in both binge eating and secondary outcomes with the Eating Disorder Inventory subscales of Bulimia, Ineffectiveness, Perfectionism and Interpersonal Distrust. Attrition was elevated compared with previous efficacy trials, suggesting the need for increased attention to how to improve retention within routine practice settings. Given our limited sample size, these findings are viewed as promising but preliminary.