The Study of Eating Disorders from a Network Perspective: A Scoping Systematic Review

Objective: We conducted a comprehensive scoping review of network research in the field of eating disorders (EDs). Method: Research published between 2016 and 2021 was identified. We identified 61 manuscripts. Results: We found that overvaluation of weight and shape, cognitive concerns around body image, cognitive-affective ED symptoms, and restriction/restraint are core to EDs, in both ED and non-ED samples. Several general psychopathology symptoms are also core to EDs, including affective symptoms, interpersonal problems, feelings of inadequacy, interoceptive awareness, and post-traumatic stress symptoms. Bridge pathways linking EDs to other psychological disorders include affective symptoms, social eating, low self-esteem, physical sensations, and ineffectiveness. Discussion: Future research should use longitudinal group and idiographic network models, be conducted in non-Western, older, and male samples, and study whether targeting core ED symptoms may improve ED interventions.