The latest eating disorder research from Jake Linardon, PhD.
2021
Intuitive eating and its psychological correlates: A meta‐analysis
Linardon, J, Tylka, T & Fuller-Tyszkiewicz, M (2021)
Alongside Tracy Tylka and Matthew Fuller-Tyszkiewicz, we recently published a meta-analysis of 97 studies intuitive eating studies - mostly on students and adults from the general population.
Our meta-analysis found:
- Intuitive eating was convincingly associated with lower binge, restrictive, and emotional eating, body image problems, desire for thinness, emotional problems, and BMI
- Intuitive eating was convincingly associated with higher body appreciation/acceptance/flexibility, self-esteem, compassion, social support, and wellbeing.
- Women are less likely to eat intuitively than men
2020
Interactions between different eating patterns on recurrent binge eating behavior: A machine learning approach
J Linardon, M. Messer, E. Helms, C McLean, L Incerti, & M Fuller-Tyszkiewicz (2020)
Previous research has shown that certain eating patterns (rigid restraint, flexible restraint, intuitive eating) are differentially related to binge eating. However, despite the distinctiveness of these eating patterns, evidence suggests that they are not mutually exclusive. Using a machine learning-based decision tree classification analysis, we examined the interactions between different eating patterns in distinguishing recurrent (defined as ≥4 episodes the past month) from nonrecurrent binge eating.
The impact of the COVID ‐19 pandemic on eating disorder risk and symptoms
The current COVID‐19 pandemic has created a global context likely to increase eating disorder (ED) risk and symptoms, decrease factors that protect against EDs, and exacerbate barriers to care. Evaluating and assessing these factors are key to better understanding the impact of the pandemic on ED risk and recovery and to inform resource dissemination and targets.
Break Binge Eating: Reach, engagement, and user profile of an Internet‐based psychoeducational and self‐help platform for eating disorders
Jake Linardon, John Rosato, Mariel Messer
We’ve been blown away by how many people have used the website, the compliments we’ve received from you, and how much the content has helped people.
So, we thought we’d document all of this and publish the usage rates, worldwide reach, and characteristics of BBE visitors since it began.
I won’t go into too much detail on the findings, but I’ll leave you with some important things we found:
- We’ve had nearly 50,000 unique visitors to Break Binge Eating in 12 months.
- Nearly ¾ of visitors come from the Americas or Europe, but we’re slowly reaching the other continents.
- 90% of visitors state that they’re accessing the platform for self-help reasons, while 59% of visitors are accessing the platform to learn more about EDs.
2019
Factor structure and psychometric properties of the inflexible eating questionnaire in a sample of women.
Linardon, J, Incerti, L, & McLean, C (2019).
Factor structure and psychometric properties of the inflexible eating questionnaire in a sample of women.
doi: 10.1016/j.appet.2019.104380
The Inflexible Eating Questionnaire is a newly developed measure that assesses an individual's inflexible adherence to rigid eating rules, along with the tendency to respectively feel empowered or distressed when such rules are or are not followed. This study was the first to show that the IEQ is a valid and reliable measure in Australian women.
Trait body image flexibility as a predictor of body image states in everyday life of young Australian women.
Tan, W, Holt, N, Krug, I., Ling, M, Klettke, B, Linardon, J….Fuller-Tyszkiewicz, M (2019).
Trait body image flexibility as a predictor of body image states in everyday life of young Australian women.
Body Image, 30, 212-220.
This study examined the experiences and frequency of body image concerns in the daily life of Australian women. We found that women who were generally more accepting of their body image were less likely to experience day-to-day fluctuations in body image concerns and were less likely to engage in unhealthy weight control behaviours, like binge eating and dieting.
Testing the measurement invariance of the body image acceptance and action questionnaire between individuals with and without binge-eating disorder symptomatology. Further evidence for an abbreviated 5-item version.
Linardon, J, Messer, M , Lee, S, & Fuller-Tyszkiewicz, M. (2019).
Testing the measurement invariance of the body image acceptance and action questionnaire between individuals with and without binge-eating disorder symptomatology. Further evidence for an abbreviated 5-item version.
Psychological Assessment. http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/pas0000761
This study was the first to examine the factor structure and psychometric properties of the Body Image Acceptance and Action Questionnaire (BIAA-Q) in individuals with and without binge-eating disorder symptoms. Findings suggest that this measure of positive body image is valid and reliable in people with and without recurrent binge eating symptoms.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of dropout rates from dialectical behaviour therapy in randomized controlled trials
Dixon, L., & Linardon, J (2019).
A systematic review and meta-analysis of dropout rates from dialectical behaviour therapy in randomized controlled trials.
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. doi:10.1080/16506073.2019.1620324
Dropping out of treatment is an important factor that limits the effectiveness of psychological therapies like dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT). This meta-analysis estimated that 28% of people who receive DBT drop out prematurely.
The efficacy of app-supported smartphone interventions for mental health problems: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Linardon, J., Cuijpers, P., Carlbring, P., Messer, M., & Fuller-Tyszkiewicz, M. (2019).
The efficacy of app-supported smartphone interventions for mental health problems: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
World Psychiatry, 18, 325-336
Mental health apps delivered via smartphones are gaining popularity worldwide. However, their effectiveness remains unclear. This meta-analysis showed that smartphone apps are effective in reducing a range of mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, stress, and distress.
Assessment of food addiction using the Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0 in individuals with binge-eating disorder symptomatology: Factor structure, psychometric properties, and clinical significance.
Linardon, J., & Messer, M. (2019).
Assessment of food addiction using the Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0 in individuals with binge-eating disorder symptomatology: Factor structure, psychometric properties, and clinical significance.
Psychiatry Research. 279, 216-221.
Food addiction is a controversial construct gaining a lot of attention. However, the validity and clinical significance of this construct in people with binge-eating disorder are unclear. This study showed that more than 50% of people with binge-eating disorder met criteria for food addiction, and food addiction was strongly associated with impairments in functioning in this population.
My fitness pal usage in men: Associations with eating disorder symptoms and psychosocial impairment.
Linardon, J., & Messer, M. (2019).
My fitness pal usage in men: Associations with eating disorder symptoms and psychosocial impairment.
Eating Behaviors, 33, 13-17.
Calorie-tracking apps have the potential to exacerbate eating disorder symptoms. This study was the first to show that the use of calorie-tracking apps like My Fitness Pal was associated with more severe eating disorder symptoms in a community sample of men.
A randomized trial exploring mindfulness and gratitude exercises as eHealth-based micro-interventions for improving body satisfaction.
Fuller-Tyszkiewicz, M., Richardson, B., Lewis, V., Linardon, J., Mills, J., Juknaitis, K., . . . Krug, I. (2019).
A randomized trial exploring mindfulness and gratitude exercises as eHealth-based micro-interventions for improving body satisfaction.
Computers in Human Behavior, 95, 58-65.
Brief interventions delivered via smartphone apps could be beneficial for improving the mental health of many people. This randomized trial showed that mindfulness and gratitude exercises delivered via a smartphone resulted in significant improvements in body satisfaction.
Appearance comparison and other appearance-related influences on body dissatisfaction in everyday life.
Fuller-Tyszkiewicz, M., Chhouk, J., McCann, L.-A., Urbina, G., Vuo, H., Krug, I., Ricciardelli, L, Linardon, J, Broadbent, J, Heron, K & Richardson, B. (2019).
Appearance comparison and other appearance-related influences on body dissatisfaction in everyday life.
Body Image, 28, 101-109.
This study sought to examine which types of appearance-related comparisons experienced in daily life was most predictive of body dissatisfaction fluctuations. Findings showed that general appearance comparisons and both positive and negative commentary of one’s appearance were strongly predictive of body dissatisfaction experienced in daily life.
Efficacy of psychotherapy for bulimia nervosa and binge‐eating disorder on self‐esteem improvement: Meta‐analysis.
Linardon, J., Kothe, E. J., & Fuller‐Tyszkiewicz, M. (2019).
Efficacy of psychotherapy for bulimia nervosa and binge‐eating disorder on self‐esteem improvement: Meta‐analysis.
European Eating Disorders Review, 27, 109-123.
This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials was the first to show that psychological treatments for bulimia nervosa and binge-eating disorder can effectively enhance self-esteem.
Do body checking and avoidance behaviours explain variance in disordered eating beyond attitudinal measures of body image?
Linardon, J., Fuller-Tyszkiewicz, M., de la Piedad Garcia, X., Messer, M., & Brennan, L. (2019).
Do body checking and avoidance behaviours explain variance in disordered eating beyond attitudinal measures of body image?
Eating behaviors, 32, 7-11.
It is unclear whether negative body image attitudes or behaviours are most strongly associated with eating disorder behaviours. This study found that negative body image attitudes, including shape and weight over-evaluation, preoccupation, and dissatisfaction, are much stronger predictors of binge eating than body image behaviours.
Meta-analysis of the effects of third-wave behavioural interventions on disordered eating and body image concerns: implications for eating disorder prevention.
Linardon, J., Gleeson, J., Yap, K., Murphy, K., & Brennan, L. (2019).
Meta-analysis of the effects of third-wave behavioural interventions on disordered eating and body image concerns: implications for eating disorder prevention.
Cognitive behaviour therapy, 48, 15-38.
Third-wave therapies include interventions based on acceptance and mindfulness principles. This meta-analysis showed that third-wave interventions show potential in preventing the development of eating disorders.
Towards a Sustainable Nutrition Paradigm in Physique Sport: A Narrative Review.
Helms, E. R., Prnjak, K., & Linardon, J. (2019).
Towards a Sustainable Nutrition Paradigm in Physique Sport: A Narrative Review.
Sports, 7(7), 172.
This narrative review provides a series of guidelines for helping to protect against potential mental health problems that may arise in physique competitors.
2018
Meta-analysis of the effects of cognitive-behavioral therapy for binge eating-type disorders on abstinence rates in nonrandomized effectiveness studies
Linardon, J, Messer, M & Fuller-Tyszkiewicz M (2018)
Meta-analysis of the effects of cognitive-behavioral therapy for binge eating-type disorders on abstinence rates in nonrandomized effectiveness studies: Comparable outcomes to randomized, controlled trials?
International Journal of Eating Disorders, 51, 1303-1311
There is an assumption that treatments for eating disorders delivered in real-world settings are less effective than the same treatments delivered in research trials. This meta-analysis disproved this assumption, by showing that CBT delivered in private practice produced similar abstinence rates than CBT delivered in randomized trials.
Dropout from interpersonal psychotherapy for mental health disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Linardon, J., Fitzsimmons-Craft, E. E., Brennan, L., Barillaro, M., & Wilfley, D. E. (2018).
Dropout from interpersonal psychotherapy for mental health disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Psychotherapy Research, 1-12
Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) is an effective treatment for numerous mental health problems, but premature dropout from IPT can limit its effectiveness. This meta-analysis was the first to estimate dropout rates from IPT, showing that around 1 in five people drop out from this treatment.
Testing the relative associations of different components of dietary restraint on psychological functioning in anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa.
Linardon J, Phillipou A, Newton R, Fuller-Tyszkiewicz M, Jenkins Z, Cistullo L, & Castle D (2018).
Testing the relative associations of different components of dietary restraint on psychological functioning in anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa.
Appetite, 128, 1-6
Dietary restraint is a multifaceted construct consisting of many different forms. This study examined which form of dietary restraint was the stronger predictor of eating disorder symptoms in people with anorexia and bulimia nervosa. Findings showed that fasting behaviours was strongest and most consistent predictor of eating disorder symptoms in this patient population.
Rates of abstinence following psychological or behavioural treatments for binge-eating disorder: Meta-analysis.
Linardon, J (2018)
Rates of abstinence following psychological or behavioural treatments for binge-eating disorder: Meta-analysis.
International Journal of Eating Disorders. 51, 785-797.
This meta-analysis was the first to estimate the percentage of people with binge-eating disorder (BED) who completely stop binge eating after receiving psychological or behavioural treatments. Findings show that only 50% of people with BED achieve full symptom abstinence.
The relationship between dietary restraint and binge eating: Examining eating-related self-efficacy as a moderator.
Linardon J (2018)
The relationship between dietary restraint and binge eating: Examining eating-related self-efficacy as a moderator.
Appetite, 127, 126-129.
Although dietary restraint has been shown to predict binge eating, not everyone who diets goes onto binge eat. Other factors may play a role to protect against the potentially harmful role of dietary restraint. Although self-efficacy was hypothesized to be protective against binge eating in people who diet, this study found that higher self-efficacy exacerbated the relationship between dietary restraint and binge eating.
Feeling fat in eating disorders: Testing the unique relationships between feeling fat and measures of disordered eating in anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa.
Linardon, J., Phillipou, A., Castle, D., Newton, R., Harrison, P., Cistullo, L. L.,…Brennan, L. (2018).
Feeling fat in eating disorders: Testing the unique relationships between feeling fat and measures of disordered eating in anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa.
Body Image, 25, 163-167.
Feeling fat is a component of body image that has received little research attention. This study was one of the first to examine the clinical significance of feeling fat in people with eating disorders. Findings showed that feeling fat emerged as an independent predictor of eating disorder symptoms, psychological distress, and quality of life in impairment in a treatment-seeking sample of people with eating disorders.
The relative associations of shape and weight over-evaluation, preoccupation, dissatisfaction, and fear of weight gain with measures of psychopathology: An extension study in individuals with anorexia nervosa.
Linardon, J., Phillipou, A., Castle, D., Newton, R., Harrison, P., Cistullo, L. L.,… Brennan, L. (2018).
The relative associations of shape and weight over-evaluation, preoccupation, dissatisfaction, and fear of weight gain with measures of psychopathology: An extension study in individuals with anorexia nervosa.
Eating Behaviors, 29, 54-58.
The distinctiveness and clinical significance of the many different facets of body image concerns are unknown. This study examined the associations of shape and weight over-evaluation, preoccupation, dissatisfaction, and fear of weight gain with measures of psychopathology in people with anorexia nervosa. Findings suggest that a fear of weight gain, overvaluation, and preoccupation with weight and shape emerged as powerful predictors of psychopathology.
Meta-analysis on the efficacy of cognitive-behavioural therapy for reducing the core eating disorder maintaining mechanisms: Implications for mechanisms of therapeutic change.
Linardon, J (2018).
Meta-analysis on the efficacy of cognitive-behavioural therapy for reducing the core eating disorder maintaining mechanisms: Implications for mechanisms of therapeutic change.
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, 47, 1-7-125
Although CBT for eating disorders has been shown to “work”, it is unclear how this treatment works. It has been suggested that CBT works through modifying dietary restraint and dysfunctional attitudes held towards weight and shape. This meta-analysis was the first to show that CBT is the most effective treatment in reducing shape/weight concerns and dietary restraint in individuals with binge-eating-type disorders.
How many individuals achieve symptom abstinence following psychological treatments for bulimia nervosa? A meta-analytic review.
Linardon, J., & Wade, T. (2018).
How many individuals achieve symptom abstinence following psychological treatments for bulimia nervosa? A meta-analytic review.
International Journal of Eating Disorders, 51, 287-294.
This meta-analysis was the first to estimate the percentage of people with bulimia nervosa (BN) who completely stop binge eating after receiving psychological treatments. Findings show that only 35% of people with BN achieve full symptom abstinence.
Dropout from cognitive-behavioural therapy for eating disorders: A meta-analysis of randomized, controlled trials.
Linardon, J., Hindle, A, & Brennan, L (2018)
Dropout from cognitive-behavioural therapy for eating disorders: A meta-analysis of randomized, controlled trials.
International Journal of Eating Disorders, 51, 381-391
CBT is the most effective eating disorder treatment, yet dropout is one factor that can limit CBT’s effectiveness. This study sought to estimate how many people drop out from CBT. Findings show that 24% of people who receive CBT drop out prematurely.
2017
The empirical status of the third-wave behaviour therapies for the treatment of eating disorders: A systematic review.
Linardon, J., Fairburn, C. G., Fitzsimmons-Craft, E. E., Wilfley, D. E., & Brennan, L. (2017).
The empirical status of the third-wave behaviour therapies for the treatment of eating disorders: A systematic review.
Clinical Psychology Review, 58, 125-140.
Third-wave behaviour therapies are becoming increasingly popular treatments for eating disorders. However, their evidence base is unclear. This review sought to establish the evidence base of these therapies. Findings show that none of the third-wave therapies (i.e., acceptance and commitment therapy, mindfulness therapy, dialectical behaviour therapy) are empirically supported treatments for any eating disorder subtype.
The efficacy of cognitive-behavioral therapy for eating disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Linardon, J., Wade, T., De la Piedad Garcia, X., & Brennan, L. (2017).
The efficacy of cognitive-behavioral therapy for eating disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 85, 1080–1094.
This is the most comprehensive meta-analysis to date that has evaluated the efficacy of CBT for eating disorders. Findings from this meta-analysis demonstrate that CBT is more effective than other specific psychological treatments for individuals with bulimia nervosa and binge-eating disorder.
Psychotherapy for bulimia nervosa on symptoms of depression: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Linardon, J., Wade, T., de la Piedad Garcia, X., & Brennan, L (2017).
Psychotherapy for bulimia nervosa on symptoms of depression: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
International Journal of Eating Disorders, 50, 1124-1136.
People with bulimia nervosa usually experience elevated levels of depressive symptoms. It is unclear whether psychological treatments for bulimia nervosa can effectively target these co-morbid depressive symptoms. Findings from this meta-analysis shows that psychotherapy leads to significant improvements in depressive symptoms in people with bulimia nervosa.
Appearance-based rejection sensitivity as a mediator of the relationship between symptoms of social anxiety and disordered eating cognitions and behaviors.
Linardon, J., Braithwaite, R., Cousins, R., & Brennan, L. (2017).
Appearance-based rejection sensitivity as a mediator of the relationship between symptoms of social anxiety and disordered eating cognitions and behaviors.
Eating Behaviors, 27, 27-32
Appearance-based rejection sensitivity (ABRS) refers to the tendency to anxiously expect and overreact to signs of appearance-based rejection. This study sought to examine whether ABRS mediates the well-established relationship between social anxiety symptoms and disordered eating. Findings provide evidence for the mediating role of ABRS on social anxiety-disordered eating relationship, suggesting that ABRS could be a key mechanism underpinning this link.
The effects of cognitive-behavioural therapy for eating disorders on quality of life: A meta-analysis.
Linardon, J., & Brennan, L. (2017).
The effects of cognitive-behavioural therapy for eating disorders on quality of life: A meta-analysis.
International Journal of Eating Disorders, 50 715-730. doi: 10.1002/eat.22719.
Many people with an eating disorder seek treatment because of the debilitating effect the illness has on their quality of life. This meta-analysis sought to examine whether CBT – the most effective eating disorder treatment – can improve a persons’ quality of life. Findings demonstrate that CBT can lead to modest improvements in quality of life in people with eating disorders.
Rigid dietary control, flexible dietary control, and intuitive eating: Evidence for their differential relationship to disordered eating and body image concerns.
Linardon, J., Mitchell, S (2017).
Flexible control, rigid control and intuitive eating. Evidence for their differential relationship to disordered eating and body image concerns.
Eating Behaviors, 26, 16-22.
This study sought to examine the relative associations of different eating patterns on measures of disordered eating and body image concerns. This study found that rigid dietary restraint was a strong predictor of elevated disordered eating and body image concerns, whereas intuitive eating was a strong predictor of reduced disordered eating and body image concerns.
Predictors, moderators and mediators of treatment outcome following manualized cognitive-behavioural therapy for eating disorders: A systematic review.
Linardon, J., de la PieDad Garcia, X., & Brennan, L. (2017).
Predictors, moderators and mediators of treatment outcome following manualized cognitive-behavioural therapy for eating disorders: A systematic review.
European Eating Disorders Review. 25, 3-12.
This review examined how, for whom, and under what conditions CBT for eating disorders works, by synthesising the available evidence on predictors, moderators, and mediators of response. Little evidence for consistent predictors, moderators, and mediators emerged, indicating that it is still unclear how and for whom this treatment works best.
Correlates of the over-evaluation of weight and shape in binge eating disorder and mixed eating disorder samples: A meta-analytic review.
Linardon, J. (2017).
Correlates of the over-evaluation of weight and shape in binge eating disorder and mixed eating disorder samples: A meta-analytic review.
Eating Disorders, 25, 183-198
Over-evaluation is considered to be the core psychopathology that underpins all eating disorders. This meta-analysis examined the strength of the association between shape/weight over-evaluation and measures of disordered eating, psychological distress, and quality of life impairment in people with eating disorders. Shape/weight overvaluation was shown to be consistently and strongly related to many different facets of disordered eating behaviours, body image concerns, mental health problems, and quality of life impairment.
2016
Rapid response to eating disorder treatment: A systematic review and meta‐analysis.
Linardon, J., Brennan, L., & de la Piedad Garcia, X. (2016).
Rapid response to eating disorder treatment: A systematic review and meta‐analysis.
International Journal of Eating Disorders, 49, 905-919.
This meta-analysis was the first to confirm the prognostic importance of achieving early change in eating disorder treatment. More specifically, this meta-analysis found that those people who achieved rapid symptom improvement achieved the best short- and long-term outcomes following eating disorder treatment.