Body dissatisfaction, stigma and eating disorders: a scoping study on the role of compassion focused therapy

Despite Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) being the gold standard for treating eating disorders (ED), approximately 50% of patients do not see significant results. Increased body-related stigma in society, driven by a pursuit of thinness for peer acceptance, has led to substantial rises in body image dissatisfaction, which is closely linked with EDs like Anorexia Nervosa (AN), Bulimia Nervosa (BN), and Binge Eating Disorder (BED). This issue needs addressing in treatment as societal pressures cause individuals to internalise stigma. Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), which emphasises a compassionate self-approach, might be a suitable alternative to CBT, focusing more on body image acceptance and potentially breaking the shame-cycle caused by stigma. This study compiled current literature on CFT's role in addressing body image dissatisfaction and stigma in ED patients. 8 studies with 637 female and 14 male participants were reviewed. Results showed that CFT-combined approaches reduced body image dissatisfaction and ED pathology, particularly in young adult females with BED. Participants noted that stigma and fear of judgement hindered ED treatment but recognised that increased self-compassion could mitigate these effects. The study highlighted the need for more diverse and broader participant samples, and standalone CFT studies, to enhance the generalisability of results and expand upon the current research pool of CFT uses for body image in eating disorders. In conclusion, CFT shows promise as an alternative method to reduce stigma and treat body image dissatisfaction in ED populations.