Clinical Correlates of Unidimensional and Multidimensional Full-Body Illusion in Female Adolescents with Anorexia Nervosa.

IF 4 2区心理学 Q1 PSYCHOLOGY, SOCIAL

Cyberpsychology, behavior and social networking Pub Date : 2026-06-23 DOI:10.1177/21522715261463323

Franck-Alexandre Meschberger-Annweiler,Mariarca Ascione,Maria-Teresa Mendoza-Medialdea,Eduardo Serrano-Troncoso,Marta Carulla-Roig,Marta Ferrer-Garcia,Jose Gutierrez-Maldonado

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Abstract

Virtual reality (VR)-based mirror exposure therapies (VR-MET) are widely used for the treatment of anorexia nervosa (AN). However, their effectiveness may depend on how much patients perceive a virtual body as their own, a phenomenon known as the full-body illusion (FBI). This study examined FBI levels and their clinical correlates in adolescents with AN, a key developmental period in the disorder. Forty-nine female adolescents with AN were immersed in a VR environment and embodied in avatars reflecting their own body shape and weight through visuomotor and visuo-tactile stimulation. The FBI was assessed using both unidimensional measures and a multidimensional embodiment questionnaire. Correlation analyses and multiple linear regressions were conducted to explore associations between FBI components and AN-related variables, including body mass index, body dissatisfaction, body anxiety, state anxiety, and fear of gaining weight (FGW). Results showed significant negative correlations between body anxiety and FGW and FBI, particularly its unidimensional and ownership components, with FGW explaining 28.1 percent of FBI variance. Consistent with the Allocentric Lock hypothesis, these findings suggest that adolescents with AN may rely more strongly on stored, distorted body representations than on immediate multisensory evidence (sight, touch, and proprioception), creating a cognitive barrier to virtual ownership and potentially limiting VR-MET effectiveness during adolescence. Future research should incorporate more diverse samples-including different ages and genders-to further clarify the clinical role of embodiment processes in VR-based interventions.

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女性青少年神经性厌食症患者单维与多维全身错觉的临床关系。

基于虚拟现实（VR）的镜像暴露疗法（VR- met）被广泛应用于神经性厌食症（AN）的治疗。然而，它们的效果可能取决于患者在多大程度上将虚拟身体视为自己的身体，这种现象被称为全身错觉（FBI）。本研究检测了AN青少年的FBI水平及其临床相关性，AN是AN障碍的关键发育时期。将49名患有AN的女性青少年沉浸在VR环境中，通过视觉运动和视觉触觉刺激将其化身为反映自己体型和体重的虚拟人物。使用单维测量和多维体现问卷对FBI进行评估。通过相关分析和多元线性回归探讨FBI成分与体重指数、身体不满、身体焦虑、状态焦虑和体重增加恐惧（FGW）等an相关变量之间的关系。结果显示，身体焦虑与FGW和FBI呈显著负相关，尤其是其单向度和所有权成分，FGW解释了28.1%的FBI方差。与异中心锁定假说一致，这些研究结果表明，患有AN的青少年可能更依赖于存储的、扭曲的身体表征，而不是直接的多感官证据（视觉、触觉和本体感觉），这在青少年时期造成了虚拟所有权的认知障碍，并可能限制VR-MET的有效性。未来的研究应纳入更多样化的样本，包括不同的年龄和性别，以进一步阐明体现过程在基于虚拟现实的干预措施中的临床作用。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Cyberpsychology, behavior and social networking PSYCHOLOGY, SOCIAL-

CiteScore

9.60

自引率

3.00%

发文量

123

期刊介绍： Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking is a leading peer-reviewed journal that is recognized for its authoritative research on the social, behavioral, and psychological impacts of contemporary social networking practices. The journal covers a wide range of platforms, including Twitter, Facebook, internet gaming, and e-commerce, and examines how these digital environments shape human interaction and societal norms. For over two decades, this journal has been a pioneering voice in the exploration of social networking and virtual reality, establishing itself as an indispensable resource for professionals and academics in the field. It is particularly celebrated for its swift dissemination of findings through rapid communication articles, alongside comprehensive, in-depth studies that delve into the multifaceted effects of interactive technologies on both individual behavior and broader societal trends. The journal's scope encompasses the full spectrum of impacts—highlighting not only the potential benefits but also the challenges that arise as a result of these technologies. By providing a platform for rigorous research and critical discussions, it fosters a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between technology and human behavior.