Dissonance-based eating disorder program reduces cardiac risk: A preliminary trial.

Objective: We conducted a randomized, controlled preliminary trial to examine the effect of a dissonance-based eating disorder program on eating disorder symptoms and cardiac risk indices in a community sample of women with subclinical and clinical symptoms (N = 47), examining the efficacy of the program in both the indicated prevention and treatment realms.

Method: Eating disorder symptoms, body mass index, and biomarkers of cardiac risk were examined in dissonance and assessment-only control conditions at baseline, postintervention, and 2-month follow-up. Specifically, we assessed mean R wave amplitude, QT interval length, vagal tone (high frequency spectral power of heart rate variability), and sympathetic tone (low/high frequency spectral power ratio) via electocardiography (ECG) at each assessment period.

An association between eating disorder behaviors and autonomic dysfunction in a nonclinical population. A pilot study.

This pilot study examines the relationship between eating disorder behaviors and autonomic dysfunction in a nonclinical sample (n = 27). Baseline indices of eating disorder behaviors were evaluated via the Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire. Supine resting heart rate variability was assessed via electrocardiogram for a 5-min recording period.

Eating disorder behaviors and depression: a minimal relationship beyond social comparison, self-esteem, and body dissatisfaction.

Existing literature fails to comprehensively identify factors contributing to the comorbid relationship between eating disorder (ED) behaviors and unipolar depression. Maladaptive social comparison, body dissatisfaction, and low self-esteem are disruptive psychological patterns common to both constructs. It is unclear whether a unique relationship exists between depression and eating disorder behaviors beyond the effects exerted by this negative cognitive triad.

Femininity and eating disorders.

The purpose of this study is to examine conformity to traditional feminine norms as a predictor of eating disorder (ED) symptomatology. Eight subscales of the Conformity to Feminine Norms Inventory (CFNI) were examined as predictors of ED symptomatology as assessed by the Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire (EDE-Q). Findings indicate the Thinness subscale of the CFNI predicted significant portions of the variance in ED symptomatology.

Feminist identity as a predictor of eating disorder diagnostic status.

Passive Acceptance (PA) and Active Commitment (AC) subscales of the Feminist Identity Development Scale (FIDS) were examined as predictors of eating disorder diagnostic status as assessed by the Questionnaire for Eating Disorder Diagnoses (Q-EDD). Results of a hierarchical regression analysis revealed PA and AC scores were not statistically significant predictors of ED diagnostic status after controlling for diagnostic subtype. Results of a multiple regression analysis revealed FIDS as a statistically significant predictor of ED diagnostic status when failing to control for ED diagnostic subtype.

Relational-Interdependent self-construal as a function of bulimic symptomatology.

The present study compares differences in the levels of relational-interdependent self-construal among asymptomatic, symptomatic, and bulimic participants in a natural groups' design. Asymptomatic (n = 169), symptomatic (n = 73), and bulimic (n = 21) participants completed the Questionnaire for Eating Disorder Diagnoses (Q-EDD). Contrast tests were conducted to examine group differences in relational-interdependent self-construal as a function of bulimic symptomatology.