Improving a tool to measure how well people understand their internal body signals to help with eating disorders.

Optimizing the Validity of the Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness to Predict Disordered Eating

NIH-funded research Nova Southeastern University · NIH-11061080

This study is looking at a tool that helps people understand how well they notice and respond to their body's signals, especially for those dealing with eating disorders, to make sure it works for everyone and can improve support for their emotional and physical health.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionNova Southeastern University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Fort Lauderdale-Davie, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-11061080 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on enhancing the Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness (MAIA), a tool used to evaluate how individuals perceive and respond to signals from their bodies. By examining interoceptive awareness, which is crucial for understanding emotional and physical health, the study aims to identify how deficits in this awareness relate to eating disorders. The research involves analyzing data from self-report questionnaires to ensure the MAIA accurately reflects interoceptive sensibility across different demographic groups. Ultimately, the goal is to improve the effectiveness of mind-body interventions for individuals struggling with disordered eating.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who may be experiencing disordered eating or related psychological issues.

Not a fit: Patients who are under 21 years old or do not have any issues related to eating disorders may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better-targeted therapies for individuals with eating disorders by improving our understanding of their internal body awareness.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using interoceptive awareness assessments to improve treatment outcomes for eating disorders, indicating that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

Fort Lauderdale-Davie, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.