Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 17, 2026

Exploring the Neural Correlates of Cognitive Reappraisal in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Using Task-based Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Published on: March 14, 2025
A MULTICENTRIC OBSERVATIONAL AND EXPLORATORY STUDY ON REFLECTIVE FUNCTIONING AND INTEROCEPTIVE AWARENESS IN
Veronica Raspa1, Margherita Guercini2,3, Ilaria Lupattelli2,3
1Division of Psychiatry, Clinical Psychology, and Psychiatric Rehabilitation of the General Hospital of Perugia, Perugia, Italy.
Background:
Reflective functioning and interoceptive awareness are core domains in the psychological functioning of individuals with eating disorders (EDs). Alterations in these dimensions may contribute to emotional dysregulation and body image disturbances, which are hallmark features of EDs. To compare reflective functioning and interoceptive awareness between individuals with EDs and a non-clinical control group, and to explore associations with general psychological functioning and eating disorder symptomatology within the clinical sample.
Methods:
A total of 65 participants were recruited (32 clinical, 33 control group). Participants completed the EDI-3, the CORE-OM, the RFQ, and the MAIA. The Mann-Whitney U test and Spearman correlations were conducted to assess between-group differences and associations among psychological variables.
Results:
The clinical group showed more severe symptomatology, greater psychological difficulties, increased uncertainty in the attribution of mental states and reduced interoceptive awareness. Significant correlations emerged between ED symptom severity and both interoceptive and reflective capacities.
Conclusions:
The findings highlight the relevance of reflective functioning and interoceptive awareness as transdiagnostic dimensions in EDs. These results support the integration of therapeutic approaches targeting these mechanisms in the treatment of eating disorders.
Related Concept Videos
Introspection
Binge Eating Disorders
Bulimia Nervosa
Observational Studies
There are three types of observational studies – Prospective, retrospective, and cross-sectional.
Prospective Study
Prospective studies, also known as longitudinal or cohort studies, are carried out by collecting future data from groups sharing similar characteristics. One...
Anorexia Nervosa
Symptoms and Physical Effects
Individuals with anorexia nervosa commonly exhibit extreme...
Assessment of the Gastrointestinal System II: Health Perception Pattern
Health Perception Patterns
Health perception patterns offer valuable insights into a patient's lifestyle habits and how they may impact their GI health. These patterns include:

