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. 2024 Sep;31(3):296-322.
doi: 10.1037/cps0000173. Epub 2023 Sep 14.

The Study of Eating Disorders from a Network Perspective: A Scoping Systematic Review

Margaret Sala  1 , Melanie Kressel  1 , Ayelet Schechter  1 , Madeline Schupak  1 , Tzivia Deitsch  1 , Kelsey Hagan  2 , Lauren Breithaupt  3   4 , Cheri Levinson  5
Affiliations

The Study of Eating Disorders from a Network Perspective: A Scoping Systematic Review

Margaret Sala et al. Clin Psychol (New York). 2024 Sep.

Abstract

Objective: We conducted a comprehensive scoping review of network research in the field of eating disorders (EDs).

Method: Research published between 2016 and 2021 was identified. We identified 61 manuscripts.

Results: We found that overvaluation of weight and shape, cognitive concerns around body image, cognitive-affective ED symptoms, and restriction/restraint are core to EDs, in both ED and non-ED samples. Several general psychopathology symptoms are also core to EDs, including affective symptoms, interpersonal problems, feelings of inadequacy, interoceptive awareness, and post-traumatic stress symptoms. Bridge pathways linking EDs to other psychological disorders include affective symptoms, social eating, low self-esteem, physical sensations, and ineffectiveness.

Discussion: Future research should use longitudinal group and idiographic network models, be conducted in non-Western, older, and male samples, and study whether targeting core ED symptoms may improve ED interventions.

Keywords: anorexia nervosa; binge eating disorder; bulimia nervosa; eating disorders; network analysis.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declarations of interest: None.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
PRISMA Flow Diagram.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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