Ferraro, Isabella2024-05-292024-05-292023https://hdl.handle.net/2440/141037This item is only available electronically.Objective: Eating disorders (EDs) are complex psychiatric conditions characterised by an array of disordered attitudes and behaviours. Interoceptive deficits have been proposed as a transdiagnostic mechanism underlying ED development and maintenance. The present systematic review and meta-analysis sought to clarify the nature of interoceptive disturbance in EDs and identify which interoceptive domains and ED subtypes are most pertinent for understanding the relationship. Method: Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search of CINAHL, Embase, Emcare, PsycINFO, PubMed, and Web of Science was conducted. To be considered eligible for analyses, studies needed to report on validated measures of interoception for eating disordered (clinician diagnosed) and healthy control (HC; no ED diagnosis) groups. The methodological and reporting quality of each study was assessed. Results: Effect size data from 48 quantitative studies comprising a pooled sample of 2,870 ED and 2,144 HC participants were extracted and analysed using Comprehensive Meta Analysis software. Potential moderators were assessed using subgroup analyses and meta-regressions. Results highlighted the presence of interoceptive deficits in EDs which were greater for individuals with bulimia nervosa compared to other ED subgroups, and for interoceptive sensibility compared to interoceptive accuracy. These findings were robust, with no moderating effect shown for any of the demographic or illness related variables assessed. Discussion: Findings confirm the presence of a significant interoceptive deficit in EDs. This may advance our understanding of treatment approaches for EDs and how interoceptive-based interventions may improve ED symptomatology. Addressing the enduring research gaps and utilising more reliable and precise measures of interoception may allow for a more refined perspective on interoception and EDs. Public Significance Statement: Identifying effective treatment options for EDs is essential given their increasing prevalence and degree of treatment resistance. This study suggests that interoception appears relevant across the spectrum of EDs and that developing and evaluating interventions that enhance interoceptive ability is a much-needed avenue for future research. Keywords: eating disorders, disordered eating, anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, other specified feeding and eating disorders, interoception, interoceptive awareness, interoceptive accuracy, interoceptive sensibilityMasters; Psychology; ClinicalThesis