Body image disorders: A new theoretical model supporting the reclassification

The present study aims to test a new theoretical model for grouping Anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN), body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), and muscle dysmorphia (MD) as Body Image Disorders. In a sample composed of 579 individuals from the community, we used exploratory bifactor modeling to investigate the presence of a higher-order general component in these disorders and identify shared and unique components within each condition. Additionally, we explored the relationships between the assessment instruments' total scores and external variables to assess the distinctiveness of the factors in our model. Our findings indicate the existence of a common general factor encompassing body image disturbance across these disorders. Furthermore, the factor decomposition reveals distinct factors for BDD, MD, and AN/BN, supporting the notion that these are separate conditions despite their shared central element. Other commonalities and differentiation points between the disorders are also identified through decomposition analysis. The external correlations examined provide further support for the bifactor modeling findings. Our evidence supports the recommendation for reclassification of AN, BN, BDD, and MD as Body Image Disorders, which may enable a more precise theoretical understanding that emphases this central component of these conditions.