Body-related cognitions, affect and post-event processing in body dysmorphic disorder
Ines Kollei1, Alexandra Martin
1Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Erlangen, University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Schwabachanlage 6, 91054 Erlangen, Germany.
Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry
|October 26, 2013
Summary
Individuals with Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) exhibit specific negative appearance-related thoughts and emotions. Externalizing appearance activates maladaptive processing, contributing to BDD maintenance.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Psychiatry
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Cognitive behavioural models suggest Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) involves negative appearance appraisals and affect.
- External appearance representations may trigger self-focused attention and negative processing in BDD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate body-related cognitions and affect during in vivo body exposure in individuals with BDD.
- To compare these processes in BDD patients versus those with major depression and healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- A think-aloud protocol was employed during baseline, exposure, and follow-up phases.
- 30 individuals with BDD, 30 with major depression, and 30 healthy controls participated.
Main Results:
- Individuals with BDD showed more negative body-related cognitions and affect across all trials.
- BDD participants exhibited less positive cognitions during exposure and increased anger/sadness post-exposure.
- Higher levels of post-event processing were observed specifically in the BDD group.
Conclusions:
- Negative appearance cognitions and affect are specific to BDD.
- External appearance triggers a unique processing mode in BDD, characterized by a lack of positive cognitions and heightened negative affect.
- These processes may perpetuate BDD psychopathology.
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