Not all body image constructs are created equal: Predicting eating disorder outcomes from preoccupation, dissatisfaction, and overvaluation

Objective Diverse terminology has been used to operationalize body image disturbance in eating disorders. However, the differential validity of these terms and their underlying constructs to predict outcomes among heterogeneous eating disorders is unknown. This study evaluated the validity of body image constructs to predict eating disorder and negative psychological symptoms concurrently and prospectively over 2 years in a transdiagnostic clinical sample. Methods Women with heterogeneous eating disorder diagnoses (n = 448) completed assessments at baseline, 12‐month, and 24‐month follow‐up. Cross‐sectional and cross‐lagged generalized linear models examined effects of three body image constructs (i.e., weight and shape preoccupation, overvaluation, and dissatisfaction) on concurrent and subsequent outcomes (i.e., global eating disorder symptoms, binge eating, purging, fasting, self‐esteem, and depression). Results In concurrent analyses, preoccupation was significantly associated with all outcomes (ps = .01 to