Implicit approach-avoidance bias for body and food-related stimuli among individuals with anorexia nervosa in partial remission.

objectivePartial remission from anorexia nervosa (AN) is an understudied stage of illness, during which individuals experience improvements in behavioral/physical symptoms, but continue to experience cognitive/affective symptoms. Studying factors that may be related to recovery vs. relapse during partial remission is important given the relatively low rates of full remission in AN. Fear and avoidance of eating disorder-related stimuli are important maintaining factors in AN and require evaluation during this stage of remission.

methodsThe current exploratory study (N = 35 individuals with AN in partial remission) investigates implicit approach-avoidance bias for food and body stimuli using a computer-based, behavioral task.

resultsParticipants on average had an avoidance bias for larger bodies, an approach bias for smaller bodies, and an avoidance bias for lower calorie foods. DISCUSSION: These findings suggest that implicit avoidance bias for larger bodies, but not higher-calorie foods, may be present during partial remission from AN. These results are consistent with current treatment models of AN, which prioritize behavioral and nutritional rehabilitation first, and persistent body image preoccupations later in treatment. Pending future research, step-down care and relapse prevention for AN during partial remission may benefit from targeting these body-related fear and avoidance biases.