Body Image in the Context of Eating Disorders

Siân A McLean; Susan J Paxton

doi:10.1016/j.psc.2018.10.006

Body Image in the Context of Eating Disorders

Psychiatr Clin North Am. 2019 Mar;42(1):145-156. doi: 10.1016/j.psc.2018.10.006. Epub 2018 Dec 3.

Authors

Siân A McLean¹, Susan J Paxton²

Affiliations

¹ Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Ballarat Road, Footscray, Melbourne, Victoria 8001, Australia. Electronic address: sian.mclean@vu.edu.au.
² Department of Psychology and Counselling, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria 3086, Australia.

PMID: 30704635
DOI: 10.1016/j.psc.2018.10.006

Abstract

Body dissatisfaction is a risk factor for development of eating disorders and represents a core psychopathologic feature of eating disorders. Prevention and treatment interventions address established risk and maintaining factors for body dissatisfaction: appearance pressures, internalization of appearance ideals, upward appearance comparison, avoidance and checking, and body disparagement. It is essential to address body dissatisfaction within eating disorders treatment to improve outcomes and reduce risk of relapse. Future directions in research and treatment aim to reach populations increasingly recognized as in need, including children, men, and individuals at higher weights, with the ultimate goal of reducing the significant distress associated with body dissatisfaction.

Keywords: Body dissatisfaction; Eating disorders; Overvaluation of weight and shape; Prevention; Treatment.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Body Image / psychology*
Feeding and Eating Disorders / psychology*
Feeding and Eating Disorders / therapy*
Humans
Personal Satisfaction*