This article is focused on eating disorders (ED) as a research topic in Slovak and Czech scientific publications. The aim of this study was to thematically analyze the development of theory and research in relation to treatment research field of ED for the past 30 years in the two above mentioned countries and identify the current research trends and their applications. 58 articles were analyzed out of 8 psychology journals and 3 yearbooks published between 1993 and 2014. The main research method was the thematic analysis. The themes and discourses were divided into two main areas – the changing discourse on eating disorders and applications in the areas of different treatment and prevention interventions. Both main theme were further divided in subtopics – theories of eating disorders (definition of eating disorders, comorbidity, explanation of occurrence and theoretical context), application (different forms of intervention, focuses and promising opportunities). According to researched articles ED are nowadays seen more as a spectrum of symptoms than a two different faces of the illness (originally anorexia and bulimia was recognized as two main forms). Considering treatment possibilities, in majority CBT was used, however this approach went through different modifications (CAT – cognitive-analytical therapy, DBT- dialectical behavioral therapy), as well as it is used in combination with other methods, e.g. medical treatment. Complex treatment programs specialized on eating disorders are being introduced and different types of treatment facilities are described. Family therapy and its variant – multiple family therapy seem to be the latest trend in Czech republic, but also articles about motivational interview and externalization technique appeared. The important change in area of treatment and prevention appeared with internet and online communication. While advancement in communication technologies brings new possibilities for early detection, prevention and treatment of ED, it also brings the problem of pro-anorectic websites and the problem of lay support through forums and blogs, which while intended to help sometimes brings unproven information and implicitly support pro-disorder eating behavior and attitudes, the trend commented in newer analyzed publications. Analysis of published texts shows that the development of discourse on etiology, classification treatment is in accordance with international trends, there are some specifics mainly in area of treatment programs.
Attachment plays an important role in emotional experience, interaction, and regulation, particularly in close relationships. Specifically, individuals with higher attachment-related anxiety and avoidance tend to report more psychological distress in general compared to more securely attached counterparts, but less is known about their emotional experience in daily life. We employed the experience sampling method to assess whether the individual variability in attachment-related anxiety and avoidance relates to momentary affective experience, stress, and perceived closeness to others in everyday social contexts. The research sample consisted of a total of 44 healthy individuals (23 females and 21 males) between ages 18-40 years. Participants were administered the Experience in Close Relationships-Revised (ECR-R) and received a mobile device with pre-installed application that signalled them randomly 10 times per day for 6 days to complete questionnaires about their current experiences and social context. Individuals with higher attachment-related anxiety reported overall increase of negative affective states and stress in daily life. Attachment-related avoidance, on the other hand, was associated with an overall decrease of positive affective states with negative impact on the ability to benefit from proximity to others. These results indicate that a relatively stable attachment dimension translates to mental states fluctuations and social interactions in daily life, thus adding crucial ecological validity to the attachment theory.
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