title: Predictors of improved eating behaviour following body image therapy: a pilot study.
abstract: Cognitive processes seem to play a vital role in eating disorders and body image. The current study, therefore, examines the impact and change of dysfunctional cognitions during a body image group therapy, which included 41 patients with an eating disorder. Dysfunctional cognitions were assessed with the 'Eating Disorder Cognition Questionnaire' both before and after treatment. Eating disorder psychopathology was also assessed. Results indicate a significant reduction of dysfunctional cognitions relating to 'body and self-esteem', 'dietary restraint', 'eating and loss of control', as well as 'internalisation and social comparison'. Furthermore, the changes in dysfunctional cognitions were associated with a reduction in eating disorder psychopathology. Body image therapy is a worthy complementation to standardised eating disorder treatment programmes as it reduces negative eating related thoughts and changes attitudes towards the body.
authors.affiliation: LWL University Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany. tanja.legenbauer@rub.de.
authors.forename: Tanja
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Legenbauer
authors.forename: Sabine
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Schütt-Strömel
authors.forename: Wolfgang
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Hiller
authors.forename: Silja
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Vocks
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001828:Body Image / Q000523:psychology*; D003071:Cognition / Q000502:physiology; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011599:Psychopathology; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group; D012649:Self Concept; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: body image; cognitions; cognitive-behavioural therapy; eating behaviour; eating disorders