Proactive Inhibition and Eating Behaviors in Anorexia Nervosa
Author Information
Author(s): Bartholdy Savani, Dalton Bethan, Rennalls Samantha J., Kekic Maria, McClelland Jessica, Campbell Iain C., O’Daly Owen G., Schmidt Ulrike
Primary Institution: King’s College London
Hypothesis
Does proactive inhibition relate to restrictive eating behaviors in women with severe and enduring anorexia nervosa?
Conclusion
Proactive inhibition does not appear to contribute to avoidant and restrictive eating behaviors in severe and enduring anorexia nervosa.
Supporting Evidence
- Both SE-AN and HC participants showed slower reaction times under conditions of uncertainty.
- SE-AN participants had significantly slower reaction times compared to healthy controls.
- Proactive inhibition was not significantly associated with self-reported restrictive/avoidant eating behaviours.
Takeaway
The study looked at how women with severe anorexia nervosa respond to uncertainty and found they are slower to react, but this doesn't seem to affect their eating behaviors.
Methodology
Participants completed a cued reaction time task and questionnaires assessing eating behaviors and intolerance of uncertainty.
Potential Biases
Combining different subtypes of anorexia nervosa may have influenced the results.
Limitations
The study did not include a comparison group with less severe anorexia, which limits the generalizability of the findings.
Participant Demographics
Thirty-four women with severe and enduring anorexia nervosa and thirty healthy comparison women.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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