Abstract
We developed a new technique using pictures modified by personal computer to evaluate the body image of eating disorder patients. To investigate means the validity of this method, we evaluated normal controls' and eating disorder patients' body image by means of their modified pictures. The participants (all women) included 34 normal controls and 25 eating disorder patients (14 with anorexia nervosa [AN] and 11 with bulimia nervosa [BN] ) . The horizontal dimension of their pictures taken by digital camera, was expanded (to 105%, 110%, 120%, and 140% of normal) and contracted (to 60%, 80%, 90%, and 95% of normal). Then the participants were asked to select the picture that approximated their perceived body image and their ideal body image. As to perceived body image, normal controls and AN patients selected correctly, but BN patients selected images that were more obese than their real body image. As to ideal body image, normal controls selected images that were thinner than their real body image, AN patients selected images that were no thinner than their real body image, and BN patients selected images that were thinner than normal controls' ideal body image. These findings suggest that normal controls desired to be thin, BN patients had a stronger desire to be thin and a greater feeling of being fat than normal controls, and AN patients were satisfied with their real body image.
