Diagnostics of body image disorders. Measurement instruments for quantification of cognitive-affective, perceptual and behavioral components

Abstract

Body image disorder can be subdivided into cognitive-affective, perceptual and behavioral components. It is a transdiagnostic phenomenon, as it is associated not only with eating disorders but also with other mental disorders, such as body dysmorphic disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder and social anxiety disorder. The present article provides an overview of the diagnostic instruments for measuring the different components of body image disorder, which have been psychometrically tested for German-speaking areas. Furthermore, the status quo of the measurement instruments is critically examined and perspectives on future research questions for improving the diagnostics of body image disorders are outlined. Despite numerous German language instruments for measuring body image, deficits are apparent with respect to the heterogeneity of the target groups (in terms of sex, age and cultural background among other factors) and with respect to content, including a lack of state questionnaires, questionnaires that can be applied transdiagnostically and instruments which assess positive aspects of body image.