Body size categorization in anorexia nervosa using a morphing instrument

Journal/Book: Int J Eating Disorder. 1999; 25: 605 Third Ave, New York, NY 10158-0012, USA. John Wiley & Sons Inc. 451-455.

Abstract: Objective: To test the feasibility of the technique of ''morphing'' for body image assessment purposes and to investigate whether females with anorexia nervosa (AN) categorize other female's body sizes similarly to controls. Method: A morphing movie showing the transformation of a thin woman into an obese woman was presented. Females with AN and thin controls selected the sizes corresponding to the transitions between the body size categories thin, normal, fat, and obese. They were instructed to look at the woman in the movie as themselves (Self) versus someone else (Other). Results: The AN group chose significantly lower transitions associated with the categories thin, normal, fat, and obese under the Self instruction than controls. Similarly, they selected lower settings for all but the obese category when looking at the body as someone else's. It was concluded that females with AN display a harsher judgment not only of their own body size and shape, but also of that of another woman, than women without an eating disorder. Discussion: The morphing instrument was found to be sufficiently realistic, detailed, and sensitive for its intended purposes.

Note: Article Smeets MAM, Monell Chem Senses Ctr, 3500 Market St, Philadelphia,PA 19104 USA

Keyword(s): morphing; transitions; self instruction

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