Embodiment Mediates the Relationship between Avoidant Attachment and Eating Disorder Psychopathology

Eur Eat Disord Rev. 2017 Nov;25(6):461-468. doi: 10.1002/erv.2536. Epub 2017 Jul 31.

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.

Keywords: attachment; body unawareness; eating disorders; embodiment; identity.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Body Image / psychology*
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Feeding and Eating Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Feeding and Eating Disorders / psychology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Psychopathology
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Young Adult