Schneider, J, Pegram, G, Gibson, B, Talamonti, D, Tinoco, A, Craddock, N, Matheson, E and Forshaw, MJ (2022) A mixed‐studies systematic review of the experiences of body image, disordered eating, and eating disorders during the COVID‐19 pandemic. International Journal of Eating Disorders. pp. 1-42. ISSN 0276-3478

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Abstract

Objectives: This systematic review assessed the influence of the COVID-19 pan-demic and associated restrictions on body image, disordered eating (DE), and eating disorder outcomes. Methods: After registration on PROSPERO, a search was conducted for papers published between December 1, 2019 and August 1, 2021, using the databases Psy-cINFO, PsycARTICLES, CINAHL Plus, AMED, MEDLINE, ERIC, EMBASE, Wiley, and ProQuest (dissertations and theses).Results: Data from 75 qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods studies were synthesized using a convergent integrated approach and presented narratively within four themes: (1) disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic; (2) variability in the improvement or exacerbation of symptoms; (3) factors associated with body image and DE outcomes; (4) unique challenges for marginalized and under represented groups. Disruptions due to the pandemic included social and functional restrictions. Although most studies reported a worsening of concerns, some participants also reported symptom improvement or no change as a result of the pandemic. Factors associated with worse outcomes included psychological, individual, social, and eating disorder-related variables. Individuals identifying as LGBTQ+reported unique concerns during COVID-19. Discussion: There is large variability in individuals' responses to COVID-19 and limited research exploring the effect of the pandemic on body image, DE, and eating dis-order outcomes using longitudinal and experimental study designs. In addition, further research is required to investigate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic onbody image and eating concerns among minoritized, racialized, underrepresented, or otherwise marginalized participants. Based on the findings of this review, we make recommendations for individuals, researchers, clinicians, and public health messaging. Public Significance: This review of 75 studies highlights the widespread negative impacts that the COVID-19 pandemic and associated restrictions have had on body image and disordered eating outcomes. It also identifies considerable variations in both the improvement and exacerbation of said outcomes that individuals, researchers, clinicians, and other public health professionals should be mindful of if we are to ensure that vulnerable people get the tailored support they require.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	11 Medical and Health Sciences, 17 Psychology and Cognitive Sciences
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine
Divisions:	Psychology (from Sep 2019)
Publisher:	Wiley
Date Deposited:	28 Mar 2022 08:20
Last Modified:	28 Mar 2022 08:30
DOI or ID number:	10.1002/eat.23706
URI:	https://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/id/eprint/16552

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