Thought-shape fusion and body image in eating disorders.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to analyze the relationships among thought-shape fusion (TSF), specific instruments to assess body image disturbances, and body image quality of life in eating disorder patients in order to improve the understanding of the links between body image concerns and a specific bias consisting of beliefs about the consequences of thinking about forbidden foods.


METHODS
The final sample included 76 eating disorder patients (mean age 20.13 ± 2.28 years; 59 women and seven men). After having obtained informed consent, the following questionnaires were administered: Body Appreciation Scale (BAS), Body Image Quality of Life Inventory (BIQLI-SP), Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ), Eating Disorders Inventory-2 (EDI-2), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R) and Thought-Shape Fusion Questionnaire (TSF-Q).


RESULTS
Significant correlations were found between TSF-Q and body image-related variables. Those with higher scores in TSF showed higher scores in the BSQ (P < 0.0001), Eating Disorder Inventory - Drive for Thinness (EDI-DT) (P < 0.0001), and Eating Disorder Inventory - Body Dissatisfaction (EDI-BD) (P < 0.0001). The same patients showed lower scores in the BAS (P < 0.0001). With respect to the psychopathological variables, patients with high TSF obtained higher scores in all SCL-90-R subscales as well as in the STAI.


CONCLUSIONS
The current study shows the interrelations among different body image-related variables, TSF, and body image quality of life.
Department of Nutrition and Bromatology, Pablo de Olavide University, Seville, Spain.
Ignacio
I
Jáuregui-Lobera
Patricia
P
Bolaños-Ríos
Inmaculada
I
Ruiz-Prieto