Understanding how body image disturbance affects people with anorexia nervosa

Interoceptive mechanisms of body image disturbance in anorexia nervosa

NIH-funded research Laureate Institute for Brain Research · NIH-10984452

This study is looking at how people with anorexia nervosa understand their bodies and how their feelings and thoughts about their appearance can be changed, with the hope of finding new ways to help them feel better about themselves.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionLaureate Institute for Brain Research NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Tulsa, United States)
Project IDNIH-10984452 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the mechanisms behind body image disturbance in individuals with anorexia nervosa, focusing on how bodily signals and visual information are processed. The study aims to explore the relationship between interoception (the sense of internal bodily signals) and body image perception through various methods, including self-reports and behavioral tests. By using interventions that alter interoceptive and cognitive processing, the research seeks to determine how these changes can impact body image disturbance. This could lead to new therapeutic approaches for individuals struggling with anorexia nervosa.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with anorexia nervosa who experience body image disturbances.

Not a fit: Patients without anorexia nervosa or those who do not experience body image disturbances may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for body image issues in patients with anorexia nervosa, potentially reducing relapse rates.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding body image disturbances through similar interoceptive and cognitive approaches, indicating potential for success in this study.

Where this research is happening

Tulsa, 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.