Therapeutic effects of the Feldenkrais method (awareness through movement) in eating disorders

Author(s): Bauer, M., Fichter, M., Milz, H.

Journal/Book: Psychother Psychosom Med Psyc. 1997; 47: P O Box 30 11 20, D-70451 Stuttgart, Germany. Georg Thieme Verlag. 170-180.

Abstract: Based on the movement-pedagogical concept of Feldenkrais and the findings of disturbed body perception by eating disordered patients this research aimed at studying the therapeutical effects of the Feldenkrais Method ''Awareness through Movement'' with eating disorder patients. 15 eating disordered patients treated at the Roseneck hospital for behavioural medicine rated - by means of a questionnaire consisting of scales of the Body Cathexis Scale (BCS), the Body Parts Satisfaction Scale (BPSS), the questionnaire for body perception (Fragebogen turn Korpererleben; FKE), the Emotion Inventory (Emotionalitatsinventar; EMI-B), the Anorexia-Nervosa-Inventory for Self-rating (ANIS) and the Eating Disorder Inventory-2 (EDI) - various aspects of their eating disorder before and after participating in a nine hour course of the Feldenkrais Method. The data of these patients were compared to those of the members of a control group, also consisting of 15 eating disordered patients who did not participate in a Feldenkrais course. The participants of the Feldenkrais-course showed increasing contentment with regard to problematic zones of their body and their own health as well as concerning acceptance and familiarity with their own body. Other results were a more spontaneous, open and self-confident behaviour, the decrease of feelings of helplessness and decrease of the wish to return to the security of the early childhood, which indicates the development of felt sense of self, self-confidence and a general process of maturation of the whole personality. The outcome points to the therapeutical effectiveness of the Feldenkrais Method with eating-disorder patients within a multimodal treatment program.

Note: Article Fichter M, Med Psychosomat Klin Roseneck, Roseneck 6, D-83209 Prien Am Chiemsee, GERMANY

Keyword(s): Feldenkrais method; eating disorder; body perception; body therapy; psychotherapy; NERVOSA

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