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ABSTRACT
Dissociation 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 psychological dissociation and body dissatisfaction (z = −3.28, p = .01). Preliminary findings show cognitive-emotional influences impact upon body disturbance in ED to a greater degree than perceptual abnormalities. Although this exploratory study uses a mixed group of ED individuals, evidence suggests body checking cognitions may be a significant maintaining factor in the relationship between psychological dissociation and body dissatisfaction. Additionally, body checking may be a method of grounding oneself when experiencing dissociation.
Acknowledgements
The authors would also like to acknowledge the input to recruitment from Dr Bryony Bamford and the team at St George's Eating Disorder Service, South West London & St George's NHS Trust.