The Role of Interoception in Understanding the Link Between Trauma and Disordered Eating

This thesis portfolio comprises three parts: a systematic literature review; an empirical paper; and appendices. This thesis aims to investigate the role of interoception in disordered eating.Part One: Systematic Literature ReviewThe systematic literature review aims to explore interoception in those who have recovered from eating disorders. The review found nine studies that met inclusion criteria when systematically searching existing literature. Synthesis Without Meta-analysis (SWiM) was used to synthesize the data from these nine studies, with data synthesis being presented through vote counting based on direction of effect. Results from this review were limited due to the nature of the data available, and limited number of studies researching this area. The review also identified a lack of clarity and consistency in the use of the term interoception throughout the literature, contributing to difficulty in drawing conclusions from data synthesis.Part Two: Empirical PaperThe empirical paper investigates the mediatory effect of interoceptive awareness in the relationship between trauma and disordered eating. Three self-report questionnaires were used: the International Trauma Questionnaire; the Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness version 2; and the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire. 168 participants completed the online questionnaires, and data was analyzed using Hayes’ PROCESS model 4 through SPSS. Results showed that interoceptive awareness partially mediated the relationship between trauma and disordered eating. Implications of findings and directions for future research are discussed.Part Three comprises the AppendicesAppendices provide additional information and context for both the systematic literature review and empirical paper. A reflective statement and epistemological position of the researcher are included in the appendices.