Shifting the Focus: A Pilot Study on the Effects of Positive Body Exposure on Body Satisfaction, Body Attitude, Eating Pathology and Depressive Symptoms in Female Patients with Eating Disorders

Abstract

One of the most commonly used techniques for the treatment of body image problems in eating disorders (ED) is body exposure (BE). However, evidence of its effectiveness in clinical populations is scarce. In the Positive Body Experience (PBE) protocol, the focus of positive BE is on aesthetic, functional and tactile aspects of the body. The current study evaluates the outcomes of positive BE with regard to changes in attitudinal body image and eating pathology, as well as the factors that influence these changes, in a sample of 84 adult female patients with different EDs who did not receive any other treatment for their EDs during the period in which BE treatment occurred. The results show significant positive changes in attitudinal body image, ED behaviors and depressive symptoms, with depressive symptoms at baseline mediating the changes in attitudinal body image. This study indicates that the PBE protocol is a suitable intervention for reducing negative attitudinal body image in anorexia and bulimia nervosa patients, as well as those with binge eating disorder. Furthermore, the results suggest that positive non-weight-related and functional body satisfaction are strong catalysts for change and that depressive symptoms play an important role in the ability to change. Additional RCTs are needed to gain more insight into the effects of PBE.

Current Discoveries and Future Implications of Eating Disorders

“…Based on the scientific evidence presented so far, tailored comprehensive multidisciplinary treatment is essential to provide adequate care for patients with obesity and BED by addressing their overweight and its consequences. This interdisciplinary approach should combine a structured lifestyle treatment plan with healthy meal planning, PA, and behavioral interventions, according to a multidisciplinary team of experts [66,67]. They suggested that measurements for multidisciplinary interventions of adolescents with BED should consider weight loss as well as behavioral and mental improvements.…”

The Functionality Appreciation Scale (FAS): psychometric properties and results of the Dutch version in a community sample and a sample of women with eating disorders

“…Furthermore, measuring body functionality creates the possibility to monitor the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions which focus on functional aspects of body image to enhance body satisfaction. In this light, Rekkers et al [7,14] developed andvaluated a protocol based on positive body exposure in which body functionality forms an important and innovative part. Recently, Walker and Murray [8] developed a novel body functionality-focused mirror exposure, integrating a complete focus on body functionality with mirror exposure.…”