Body image and eating disorders: a systematic review exploring alexithymia and body image disturbances, and a pilot randomised controlled trial of expand your horizon

Morris, Celyn 2026. Body image and eating disorders: a systematic review exploring alexithymia and body image disturbances, and a pilot randomised controlled trial of expand your horizon. ClinPsy Thesis, Cardiff University. Item availability restricted.

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Abstract

Abstract Objective: Research indicates that alexithymia may be linked to body image disturbances in adults with eating disorders. This systematic review aimed to explore and synthesise the literature regarding this relationship. This relationship was explored by considering whether there is an association, the extent of this relationship when controlling for covariates and potential mediation pathways. Method: Databases were searched in April 2026 (ProQuest Dissertations & These Global, SCOPUS, CINAHL, Medline and APA PsychInfo), focusing on quantitative papers and adults diagnosed with eating disorders. Eleven papers were eligible for inclusion in the review. Results: Overall, the TAS-20 was found to be significantly correlated with body image disturbances. Mainly, difficulty identifying feelings was found to be the subtype of alexithymia that had the more consistent relationship with body image disturbance. Alexithymia was found to be statistically associated with body image disturbance, when controlling for covariates, such as age, BMI, depression and anxiety. Alexithymia was found to mediate pathways between emotional abuse/ avoidant attachment and body image disturbance. Perfectionism was found to mediate the relationship between alexithymia and drive for thinness. Discussion: The findings are consistent with a model in which individuals with eating disorders who have difficulty identifying their feelings may misinterpret their feelings and turn towards their bodies to make sense of their experiences. Longitudinal research would be needed to provide a causal test of this model. These findings suggest that, when treating those with eating disorders and alexithymia, it may be worth providing support to develop emotional self-awareness as a means of addressing body image disturbance.

Item Type:	Thesis (DClinPsy)
Date Type:	Completion
Status:	Unpublished
Schools:	Schools > Psychology
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
Funders:	N/A
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	15 September 2026
Last Modified:	15 Sep 2026 13:49
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/189543

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