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Review
. 2020 Jun 1:8:21.
doi: 10.1186/s40337-020-00298-0. eCollection 2020.

A theoretical review of interpersonal emotion regulation in eating disorders: enhancing knowledge by bridging interpersonal and affective dysfunction

Kara A Christensen  1 , Ann F Haynos  2
Affiliations
Review

A theoretical review of interpersonal emotion regulation in eating disorders: enhancing knowledge by bridging interpersonal and affective dysfunction

Kara A Christensen et al. J Eat Disord. .

Abstract

Individuals with eating disorders (EDs) frequently report interpersonal and affective dysfunction. A useful lens for uniting these ideas is through the framework of interpersonal emotion regulation (IER), which consists of the ways others assist a distressed individual and how this shapes his or her subsequent emotional, behavioral, and cognitive responses. In this theoretical review, we provide an overview of the rationale for exploring IER and review IER processes in this population using the framework of the Process Model of Emotion Regulation. Finally, we offer suggestions for next steps in conducting research. IER offers a parsimonious way to explore social and emotional constructs related to ED pathology and may provide potential targets for prevention and intervention in these difficult-to-treat disorders.

Keywords: Eating disorders; Emotion regulation; Interpersonal emotion regulation; Interpersonal relationships.

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Conflict of interest statement

Competing interestsThe authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Process Model of Interpersonal Emotion Regulation in Eating Disorders. Interpersonal emotion regulation (IER) is at the intersection of interpersonal behaviors and affective regulation. To evaluate if interpersonal behaviors, affective regulation, and interpersonal emotion regulation are adaptive or maladaptive, one must consider contextual factors such as personal goals, culture, demographics, and stage of recovery
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Extending the Process Model to conceptualize intrapersonal and interpersonal emotion regulation in EDs. Both intrapersonal and interpersonal ER can exist in global or ED-specific contexts
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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