From Behaviour to Brain: A Statistical and Neurobehavioural Study of Eating Disorders

Abstract

This research aims to investigate the link between brain functions and eating disorders. For this purpose, a 57-item questionnaire was prepared based on the Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire, the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire, and self-prepared questions. The questions were divided into six categories: cognitive control, emotional triggers, body image perception, sensory processing, reward processing, and demographic information. Data was collected from university students and analyzed using the Chi-square test. Specific behaviours related to the perception of eating disorders were initially identified by testing individual variables. Further group-level analysis was done by combining variables into broader neurobehavioural categories. Mapped significant groups were identified with their specific brain regions responsible for those functions. This study, therefore, highlights individual and grouped behaviours, as modulated by the brain, influence eating disorders and are useful in further treatments and research.