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Updated: May 11, 2026

A Computer-Based Platform for Aiding Clinicians in Eating Disorder Analysis and Diagnosis
Published on: May 10, 2022
The research-practice gap: bridging the schism between eating disorder researchers and practitioners
Scott O Lilienfeld1, Lorie A Ritschel, Steven Jay Lynn
1Department of Psychology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA. slilien@emory.edu
Objective:
The field of eating disorders (EDs) treatment has been beset by a marked disjunction between scientific evidence and clinical application. We describe the nature and scope of the research-practice gap in the ED field.
Method:
We draw on surveys and broader literature to better understand the research-practice gap in ED treatment and reasons for resistance to evidence-based practice.
Results:
We identify three sources of the research-practice gap: (1) attitudinal factors, (2) differences in the definition of "evidence," and (3) cognitive factors, especially naïve realism and confirmation bias. We affirm the role of science as a safeguard against human fallibility and as a means of bridging the research-practice gap, and delineate key principles of scientific thinking for ED researchers and practitioners.
Discussion:
We conclude with proposals for narrowing the research-practice gap in ED treatment and enhancing the quality of interventions for ED clients.
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