Unraveling body image with virtual reality

How do girls with and without anorexia nervosa react to fatter and thinner versions of their bodies?

Status: Searching participants

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?

Girls of 12 until 19 with anorexia nervosa who are under treatment at Accare.
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.

Collaboration

For all our research on feeding and eating disorders, we collaborate with the Faculty of Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology at the University of Groningen. This is done within the Academic Workplace for Feeding Disorders, Eating Disorders, and Obesity. We also collaborate with GGZ Rivierduinen and the Ursula Eating Disorders Clinic in Leiden, where we also have a research facility and where young people can participate. We also collaborate with GGZ Friesland and Lentis PsyQ, who support us with participant recruitment.