OBJECTIVE: The field of eating disorders (EDs) treatment has been beset by a marked disjunction between scientific evidence and clinical application. We describe the nature and scope of the research-practice gap in the ED field. METHOD: We draw on surveys and broader literature to better understand the research-practice gap in ED treatment and reasons for resistance to evidence-based practice. RESULTS: We identify three sources of the research-practice gap: (1) attitudinal factors, (2) differences in the definition of "evidence," and (3) cognitive factors, especially naïve realism and confirmation bias. We affirm the role of science as a safeguard against human fallibility and as a means of bridging the research-practice gap, and delineate key principles of scientific thinking for ED researchers and practitioners. DISCUSSION: We conclude with proposals for narrowing the research-practice gap in ED treatment and enhancing the quality of interventions for ED clients.
OBJECTIVE: The field of eating disorders (EDs) treatment has been beset by a marked disjunction between scientific evidence and clinical application. We describe the nature and scope of the research-practice gap in the ED field. METHOD: We draw on surveys and broader literature to better understand the research-practice gap in ED treatment and reasons for resistance to evidence-based practice. RESULTS: We identify three sources of the research-practice gap: (1) attitudinal factors, (2) differences in the definition of "evidence," and (3) cognitive factors, especially naïve realism and confirmation bias. We affirm the role of science as a safeguard against human fallibility and as a means of bridging the research-practice gap, and delineate key principles of scientific thinking for ED researchers and practitioners. DISCUSSION: We conclude with proposals for narrowing the research-practice gap in ED treatment and enhancing the quality of interventions for ED clients.
Authors: Lisa Smith Kilpela; Kaitlin Hill; Mackenzie C Kelly; Joanna Elmquist; Paige Ottoson; Demetra Keith; Thomas Hildebrandt; Carolyn Black Becker Journal: Behav Res Ther Date: 2014-10-09
Authors: David M Garner; Michael L Anderson; Christopher D Keiper; Rachel Whynott; Lisa Parker Journal: Eat Weight Disord Date: 2016-02-01 Impact factor: 4.652
Authors: D Catherine Walker; Joseph M Donahue; Sydney Heiss; Sasha Gorrell; Lisa M Anderson; Julia M Brooks; Emily P Ehrlich; Julie N Morison; Drew A Anderson Journal: Eat Weight Disord Date: 2020-06-07 Impact factor: 3.008