title: The research-practice gap: bridging the schism between eating disorder researchers and practitioners.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The field of eating disorders (EDs) treatment has been beset by a marked disjunction between scientific evidence and clinical application. We describe the nature and scope of the research-practice gap in the ED field.
  
  
  METHODS
  We draw on surveys and broader literature to better understand the research-practice gap in ED treatment and reasons for resistance to evidence-based practice.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We identify three sources of the research-practice gap: (1) attitudinal factors, (2) differences in the definition of "evidence," and (3) cognitive factors, especially naïve realism and confirmation bias. We affirm the role of science as a safeguard against human fallibility and as a means of bridging the research-practice gap, and delineate key principles of scientific thinking for ED researchers and practitioners.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We conclude with proposals for narrowing the research-practice gap in ED treatment and enhancing the quality of interventions for ED clients.
authors: Department of Psychology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA. slilien@emory.edu
authors: Scott O
authors: SO
authors: Lilienfeld
authors: Lorie A
authors: LA
authors: Ritschel
authors: Steven Jay
authors: SJ
authors: Lynn
authors: Amanda P
authors: AP
authors: Brown
authors: Robin L
authors: RL
authors: Cautin
authors: Robert D
authors: RD
authors: Latzman
mesh_terms: D055317:Evidence-Based Practice; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D006282:Health Personnel; D006801:Humans; D012107:Research Design; D012108:Research Personnel