Unraveling body image with virtual reality
How do girls with and without anorexia nervosa react to fatter and thinner versions of their bodies?
One of the core symptoms of anorexia nervosa is negative body image. In this study, we want to learn more about how it is possible that this is such a persistent symptom.
Who can participate?
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Girls of 12 until 19 with anorexia nervosa who are under treatment at Accare.
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Also girls without eating disorder can participate.
Background
We think that certain emotions may play a role in the persistent negative body image in anorexia nervosa. If we understand this better, we hope to improve the treatment of anorexia.
The research study
We do this by exposing participants to their virtual bodies in various sizes and then accurately measuring how they respond to them. In addition, participants fill out questionnaires and perform two computer tasks. It takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes. As compensation, participants will receive a gift certificate worth 20 euros and any travel expenses will be reimbursed.
The researchers
For all our research into nutritional and eating disorders, we collaborate with the faculty of clinical psychology and experimental psychopathology of the University of Groningen. We do this within the Academic workplace nutritional disorders, eating disorders and obesity. In addition, we collaborate for this research with GGZ Rivierduinen, Eating Disorders Clinic Ursula in Leiden.
Video for participants with Anorexia Nervosa
Video for participants without Anorexia Nervosa