Body image flexibility: A predictor and moderator of outcome in transdiagnostic outpatient eating disorder treatment

Mia Pellizzer, Glenn Waller D. Phil, Tracey D. Wade

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    36 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Objective: Predictors of attrition and predictors and moderators of outcome were explored in a transdiagnostic sample of patients who received ten-session cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT-T) for nonunderweight eating disorders. Body image flexibility, a protective positive body image construct, was hypothesized to be a significant moderator. Method: Data from two case series were combined to form a sample of 78 participants who received CBT-T. Baseline measures of body image, negative affect, personality, and motivation (readiness to change and self-efficacy) were included as potential predictors. Global eating disorder psychopathology at each assessment point (baseline, mid- and post-treatment, 1- and 3-month follow-up) was the outcome variable. Predictors of attrition were assessed using logistic regression, and multilevel modeling was applied for predictors and moderators of outcome. Results: Body image flexibility emerged as the strongest predictor and moderator of global eating disorder psychopathology, followed by body image avoidance. Body checking, negative affect, personality beliefs, and self-efficacy were significant predictors of global eating disorder psychopathology. Discussion: Higher body image flexibility predicted lower global eating disorder psychopathology at every assessment point. Further research is required to replicate findings and explore the benefit of focusing on positive body image in treatment.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)368-372
    Number of pages5
    JournalInternational Journal of Eating Disorders
    Volume51
    Issue number4
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - Apr 2018

    Keywords

    • body image flexibility
    • cognitive–behavioral therapy
    • eating disorders
    • moderators
    • predictors

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