Embodiment Mediates the Relationship between Avoidant Attachment and Eating Disorder Psychopathology

Objective: The overvaluation of body shape and weight of persons with eating disorders (EDs) is putatively explained by a disturbance in the way they experience their own body (embodiment). Moreover, attachment disorders seem to promote the use of body as source for self‐definition. Therefore, we assessed the role of embodiment in the connection between attachment styles and ED psychopathology. Method: One‐hundred and thirteen ED patients and 117 healthy subjects completed the Identity and Eating Disorders (IDEA) Questionnaire, the Eating Disorder Inventory‐2 (EDI‐2) and the Experiences in Close Relationships Scale. Results: Eating disorder patients displayed IDEA, EDI‐2 and Experiences in Close Relationships scores significantly higher than controls. IDEA total and subtotal scores mediated entirely the influence of avoidant attachment on EDI‐2 interoceptive awareness and impulsivity. Discussion: These findings demonstrate a relationship between insecure attachment and disorders of identity and embodiment and point to embodiment as a possible mediator between avoidant attachment and specific ED psychopathological traits