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Static and dynamic body image in bulimia nervosa: Mental representation of body dimensions and biological motion patterns

  1. Silja Vocks PhD1,*,
  2. Tanja Legenbauer PhD2,
  3. Heinz Rüddel MD3,
  4. Nikolaus F. Troje PhD4

Article first published online: 29 AUG 2006

DOI: 10.1002/eat.20336

Issue

International Journal of Eating Disorders

International Journal of Eating Disorders

Volume 40, Issue 1, pages 59–66, January 2007

Additional Information

How to Cite

Vocks, S., Legenbauer, T., Rüddel, H. and Troje, N. F. (2007), Static and dynamic body image in bulimia nervosa: Mental representation of body dimensions and biological motion patterns. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 40: 59–66. doi: 10.1002/eat.20336

Author Information

  1. 1

    Department of Psychology, Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Ruhr-University, Bochum, Germany

  2. 2

    Department of Psychology, Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Johannes-Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany

  3. 3

    Center for Psychobiological and Psychosomatic Research, University of Trier, Psychosomatic Clinic St. Franziska-Stift, Bad Kreuznach, Germany

  4. 4

    Department of Psychology, School of Computing and Vision Behavioural Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada

*Ruhr-University Bochum, Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Universitätsstr 150, D-44780 Bochum, Germany

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 26 DEC 2006
  2. Article first published online: 29 AUG 2006
  3. Manuscript Accepted: 4 JUL 2006

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Keywords:

  • biological motion;
  • body image disturbances;
  • bulimia nervosa;
  • motion perception

Abstract

Objective:

The aim of the present study was to find out whether in bulimia nervosa the perceptual component of a disturbed body image is restricted to the overestimation of one's own body dimensions (static body image) or can be extended to a misperception of one's own motion patterns (dynamic body image).

Method:

Participants with bulimia nervosa (n = 30) and normal controls (n = 55) estimated their body dimensions by means of a photo distortion technique and their walking patterns using a biological motion distortion device.

Results:

Not only did participants with bulimia nervosa overestimate their own body dimensions, but also they perceived their own motion patterns corresponding to a higher BMI than did controls. Static body image was correlated with shape/weight concerns and drive for thinness, whereas dynamic body image was associated with social insecurity and body image avoidance.

Conclusion:

In bulimia nervosa, body image disturbances can be extended to a dynamic component. © 2006 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2006

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