Abstract
Although body size and shape misperception (BSSM) is a common feature of anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and muscle dysmorphia, little is known about its underlying neural mechanisms. Recently, a new approach has emerged, based on the long-established non-invasive technique of perceptual adaptation, which allows for inferences about the structure of the neural apparatus responsible for alterations in visual appearance. Here, we describe several recent experimental examples of BSSM, wherein exposure to “extreme” body stimuli causes visual aftereffects of biased perception. The implications of these studies for our understanding of the neural and cognitive representation of human bodies, along with their implications for clinical practice are discussed.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 2001-2008 |
| Number of pages | 8 |
| Journal | Journal of International Medical Research |
| Volume | 45 |
| Issue number | 6 |
| Early online date | 27 Oct 2017 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Dec 2017 |
Bibliographical note
Copyright the Author(s) 2017. Version archived for private and non-commercial use with the permission of the author/s and according to publisher conditions. For further rights please contact the publisher.Keywords
- body image
- adaptation
- distortion
- vision
- eating disorders
- muscle dysmorphia
- misperception