EVALUATING SELF-REPORT AND BEHAVIORAL ASSESSMENTS OF INTEROCEPTION

Our work in this area has focused on validating self-report measures of interoceptive sensibility (IS) - or our awareness of our internal body states (e.g., fullness/hunger, thirst, pain). We have focused on identifying and evaluating appropriate assessments to help better characterize how IS (and particularly IS for gastric-specific sensations) is related to eating disorder and body image symptoms. These assessments include the Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness (MAIA), the Visceral Sensitivity Index (VSI), and an adapted version of the Esophageal Hypervigilance and Anxiety Scale (EHAS). We have also evaluated and tested a behavioral water load test to measure gastric sensitivity in patients with anorexia nervosa.  

TARGETING INTEROCEPTION IN TREATMENT

Our team is in the process of developing new interventions to target the ability to provide psychoeducation on and tolerate uncomfortable body sensations (particularly sensations like fullness) to help reduce body image and eating concerns. We look forward to testing these programs at Auburn!