THE RISE AND FALL OF BODY-SIZE ESTIMATION RESEARCH IN ANOREXIA-NERVOSA - A REVIEW AND RECONCEPTUALIZATION

Research on body image in anorexia nervosa is seriously deadlocked, ch aracterized by impenetrable concepts and unacceptable methodology. In this review the problems associated with the Body Size Estimation (BSE ) methods generally used are discussed and it is investigated how the research in this area can be revitalized. It is concluded that there i s clear evidence that anorexic patients overestimate their own body sh e, and that this implies a disturbance of the body image rather than o f body (size) perception. This disturbance is probably best explained by the influence of thoughts or feelings to be fat on the visual body image. It is recommended that future research departs from a theory th at emphasizes the top-down influence of thoughts and feelings on basic visual processes. Much can be expected from the field of the cognitiv e neurosciences, and an example of such a theory is provided. (C) 1997 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.