Body Image in Anorexia Nervosa: Measurement, Theory and Clinical Implications

Abstract

Clinical manifestations of body image disturbance in anorexia nervosa are described including size misperceptions and faulty beliefs about shape. The empirical investigations of body image aberrations in anorexia nervosa are critically reviewed. Methodological issues such as reliability, validity, subject selection and sources of experimental bias are discussed with recommendations for further research. Theoretical explanations for the mechanisms determining self-overestimation are presented with data indicating a relationship between self-overestimation, body satisfaction and self-esteem. Finally, a therapeutic approach is suggested that is aimed specifically at modifying the patient's faulty beliefs about her body while coping with her refractory self-misperceptions.