Examining the Role of Interoception in Disordered Eating and Posttraumatic Stress

Jillian Nelson

Advisor: Sarah Fischer, PhD, Department of Psychology

Committee Members: Jim Thompson, Keith Renshaw

Online Location, Online
April 03, 2024, 09:00 AM to 11:00 AM

Abstract:

Interoception involves the perception of the internal state of the body. Accumulating research indicates the importance of interoception across psychological disorders. The following two studies explored interoception as a possible transdiagnostic risk factor underlying comorbid eating disorders (EDs) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In study one, structural equation modeling was used to examine an interoceptive pathway from trauma exposure to comorbid PTSD-ED, as well as specific symptom relationships hypothesized to relate to atypical interoceptive functioning. In study two, interoception was measured using two methods: self-report and neuroimaging. Correlations between these methods of measurement, trauma history, and PTSD and ED symptomatology were examined. Results of both studies found atypical interoceptive functioning was associated with PTSD and ED symptoms; the mistrust of body sensations may be particularly relevant to the comorbidity.