Eating Disorders
Full course description
Eating disorders are among the most prevalent disorders in adolescent and young adult females. Their exact aetiologies are largely unknown, although it has become evident that a range of factors influences an individual’s vulnerability to eating disorders (like genetics, low self-esteem, perfectionism, impulsivity). An initial aim of the course is to discuss influential state-of-the art theories and empirical papers about the origin or maintenance of eating disorders. The question of whether obesity is an eating disorder is also discussed. Secondly, special attention will be paid to experimental psychopathology research methods for testing hypotheses on the origin, maintenance and reduction of these disorders. Thirdly, the gap with clinical practice is scrutinised. What is the best treatment a patient can get? And why is it so difficult to implement evidence-based or empirically supported treatments in clinical practice?
The final assessment for this course is a numerical grade between 0,0 and 10,0.
Course objectives
- ILO 1: Knowledge of theories, processes, interventions, instruments, and assessment methods in the field. More specifically, Students will be able to understand: 1) the clinical pictures and (trans-)diagnostic criteria of eating disorders and obesity, 2) the relation between eating disorders and dieting, the beauty ideal, biased thinking, conditioned cravings, and 3) effective treatments for eating disorders, implementation of effective treatments and the gap between science and practice.
- ILO 5: Ability to critically judge research questions and experimental designs, taking into account the ethical responsibilities in research.
- ILO 6: Ability to critically analyse, assess, evaluate, interpret, and synthesise research methods, research data, theories and publications in the field.
- ILO 7: Ability to relate findings to the existing literature and formulate realistic judgements on the implications and importance of research output.
- ILO 10: Ability to communicate scientific theories and empirical findings in an understandable way to both professionals (experts and non-experts) and to lay people (incl. clients). Both in the PBL sessions, as writing, reviewing and presenting a popular science paper.
- ILO 14: Ability to read, understand, integrate and critically reflect on research papers, professional reports and new developments.