Static and dynamic body image in bulimia nervosa: mental representation of body dimensions and biological motion patterns.
OBJECTIVE
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).


METHODS
Participants with bulimia nervosa (n = 30) and normal controls (n = 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.


CONCLUSIONS
In bulimia nervosa, body image disturbances can be extended to a dynamic component.
Vocks
Silja
S
Department of Psychology, Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Ruhr-University, Bochum, Germany. vocks@kli.psy.ruhr-uni-bochum.de
Legenbauer
Tanja
T
Rüddel
Heinz
H
Troje
Nikolaus F
NF
D000328:Adult; D001828:Body Image; D052018:Bulimia Nervosa / Q000523:psychology*; D003198:Computer Simulation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009039:Motion Perception; D012649:Self Concept; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires