1. Embodiment Mediates the Relationship between Avoidant Attachment and Eating Disorder Psychopathology.
- Author
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Monteleone, Alessio Maria, Castellini, Giovanni, Ricca, Valdo, Volpe, Umberto, De Riso, Francesco, Nigro, Massimiliano, Zamponi, Francesco, Mancini, Milena, Stanghellini, Giovanni, Monteleone, Palmiero, Treasure, Janet, and Maj, Mario
- Subjects
ATTACHMENT behavior ,BODY image ,BODY weight ,EATING disorders ,INTERPERSONAL relations ,PATHOLOGICAL psychology ,QUESTIONNAIRES - Abstract
Objective The overvaluation of body shape and weight of persons with eating disorders (EDs) is putatively explained by a disturbance in the way they experience their own body (embodiment). Moreover, attachment disorders seem to promote the use of body as source for self-definition. Therefore, we assessed the role of embodiment in the connection between attachment styles and ED psychopathology. Method One-hundred and thirteen ED patients and 117 healthy subjects completed the Identity and Eating Disorders (IDEA) Questionnaire, the Eating Disorder Inventory-2 (EDI-2) and the Experiences in Close Relationships Scale. Results Eating disorder patients displayed IDEA, EDI-2 and Experiences in Close Relationships scores significantly higher than controls. IDEA total and subtotal scores mediated entirely the influence of avoidant attachment on EDI-2 interoceptive awareness and impulsivity. Discussion These findings demonstrate a relationship between insecure attachment and disorders of identity and embodiment and point to embodiment as a possible mediator between avoidant attachment and specific ED psychopathological traits. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2017
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