International Journal of Eating Disorders 40:59-66

Static and Dynamic Body Image in Bulimia Nervosa: Mental Representation of Body Dimensions and Biological Motion Patterns.

Silja Vocks, Tanja Legenbauer, Heinz Ruddel, Nikolaus F.Troje

The aim of the present study was to find out whether in bulimia nervosa the perceptual component of a disturbed body image is restricted to the overestimation of one’s own body dimensions (static body image) or can be extended to a misperception of one’s own motion patterns (dynamic body image). Method: Participants with bulimia nervosa (n ¼ 30) and normal controls (n ¼ 55) estimated their body dimensions by means of a photo distortion technique and their walking patterns using a biological motion distortion device. Results: Not only did participants with bulimia nervosa overestimate their own body dimensions, but also they perceived their own motion patterns corresponding to a higher BMI than did controls. Static body image was correlated with shape/ weight concerns and drive for thinness, whereas dynamic body image was associated with social insecurity and body image avoidance. Conclusion: In bulimia nervosa, body image disturbances can be extended to a dynamic component.

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