EVALUATING SELF-REPORT AND BEHAVIORAL ASSESSMENTS OF INTEROCEPTION

Our work in this area has focused on validating self-report measures of interoceptive awareness (IA) - 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 IA (and particularly IA for gastric-specific sensations) is related to eating disorder and body image symptoms. These assessments include the Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness (MAIA) and the Visceral Sensitivity Index (VSI). We have also recently evaluated and tested a behavioral water load test to measure gastric IA in patients with anorexia nervosa.  

TARGETING INTEROCEPTION IN TREATMENT

Our team is in the process of developing new interventions to target the ability to 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!