Video confrontation with the body image as an element in the treatment of anorexia nervosa

Author(s): Bauer, C., Fichter, M. M.

Journal/Book: Z Klin Psychol Forsch Praxis. 1997; 26: Rohnsweg 25, D-37085 Gottingen, Germany. Hogrefe-Verlag GmbH & Co. 218-225.

Abstract: The study aimed at elaboration of a therapeutic element treating body image distortion of anorexic patients and gathering empirical evidence. The procedure consists of (a) derailed video recording of the patient's body and (b) confronting the patient with that recording in a series of therapy sessions. It was expected that patients would come to a more precise assessment of their body and shape, and would reduce body image related fears. 29 inpatients of a unit specialized in eating disorders participated in a controlled intervention study. Pre-post measurements comprised objective and subjective body-related variables, a multidimensional inventory assessing eating disorders in general, and a self-awareness questionnaire. Results of this ''video confrontation'' showed substantial reductions in the subjective components of body image distortion, including bodily fears, whereas perceptive components were neither strongly distorted nor influenced by intervention. Public self-awareness was raised dramatically compared to German population norms and remained stable over time. As to the factors of eating disorder in general, results indicate that the treatment approach on the whole was effective. It is discussed whether body image (distortion) is primarily a subjective-emotional rather than a perceptive phenomenon.

Note: Article Geissner E, Katholische Fachhsch Nordrhein Westfalen, Piusallee 89-93, D-48147 Munster, GERMANY

Keyword(s): Anorexia nervosa; body image distortion; video recording of the body; behavior therapy of eating disorders; INVENTORY

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