@article{cornoApplicationsVirtualReality2026,

title = {Applications of Virtual Reality in the Assessment and Treatment of Eating Disorders},

author = {G. Corno and J. Monthuy-Blanc and S. Bouchard},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105045449016?origin=resultslist},

doi = {10.1201/9781032718125-4},

issn = {978-104050847-3 (ISBN); 978-103268497-0 (ISBN)},

year  = {2026},

date = {2026-01-01},

journal = {From Eating Disorders to Dysfunctional Eating Attitudes and Behaviors Continuum: The Core of Body Perceptions},

pages = {30–43},

publisher = {CRC Press},

abstract = {Severe dysfunctional eating attitudes and behaviors, as eating disorders are complex and life-threatening conditions. Despite the existence of various treatment approaches, psychological treatments for eating disorders continue to encounter certain limitations, with only 50% of these therapies resulting in complete recovery. Over the past three decades, virtual reality has emerged as a valid tool for the treatment and assessment of these conditions. This chapter will discuss the main advantages of implementing virtual reality in mental health research, with a particular focus on eating disorders. Specifically, the chapter provides a review of the recent use of virtual reality as an intervention tool targeting specific features of eating disorders, such as fear of food, fear of gaining weight, urge to be physically active, and body image disturbances. Moreover, this chapter demonstrates the potential of VR to facilitate a more profound comprehension and evaluation of body image disturbances, including body dissatisfaction and body distortion. © 2027 Johana Monthuy-Blanc and Giulia Corno.},

keywords = {body image, Condition, Eating disorders, Health research, Image disturbances, Life threatening conditions, Mental health, Psychological treatments, virtual reality},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{cornoExploringVirtualReality2026,

title = {Exploring Virtual Reality for Body Image Assessment and Psychological Interventions in Individuals With Obesity: a Comprehensive Review},

author = {G. Corno and Á. Zamora and S. Bouchard and R. Baños and A. Baillot and J. Monthuy-Blanc},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105024457568?origin=resultslist},

doi = {10.1111/obr.70051},

issn = {14677881 (ISSN)},

year  = {2026},

date = {2026-01-01},

journal = {Obesity Reviews},

volume = {27},

number = {4},

publisher = {John Wiley and Sons Inc},

abstract = {Introduction: Individuals living with obesity often experience body image (BI) disturbances, which can negatively affect their quality of life and treatment outcomes. Virtual reality (VR) has emerged as a promising tool for enhancing psychological interventions, but no comprehensive review has specifically focused on VR-based studies addressing BI disturbances in this population. Methods: This comprehensive review examined studies utilizing VR for the assessment and treatment of BI disturbances in individuals with obesity. Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria. Results: Studies were categorized into three groups: (i) VR in psychological interventions for individuals with obesity, (ii) VR interventions following metabolic and bariatric surgery, and (iii) VR-based full-body illusion experiments. The primary clinical application was experiential cognitive therapy, which demonstrated greater efficacy in reducing negative BI compared with standard cognitive behavioral therapy and other treatments. Studies involving post-metabolic and bariatric surgery adults also supported VR's efficacy in reducing BI dissatisfaction, though long-term benefits were inconsistent. Full-body illusion experiments suggested that VR can help modify distorted body perceptions. However, most studies were conducted by the same research group, focused exclusively on women, and were limited to specific geographical regions, primarily Italy. Conclusion: While preliminary results suggest that VR is a promising tool for treating BI disturbances in individuals with obesity, the field remains under-researched. Notably, no studies have explored VR's potential as an assessment tool in this population. Future studies should include more diverse populations, investigate long-term outcomes, and explore potential barriers to clinical implementation. © 2025 The Author(s). Obesity Reviews published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of World Obesity Federation.},

keywords = {adult, Anxiety disorder, Assertiveness, Bariatric Surgery, body dysmorphic disorder, body image, body image assessment, body image avoidance questionnaire, body image disturbances, body satisfaction scale, bulimia, Clinical research, cognitive behavioral therapy, cognitive therapy, Depression, electroconvulsive therapy, exercise, feeding behavior, female, follow up, gastric banding, geography, group therapy, human, Humans, Italy, low calorie diet, male, obesity, overnutrition, physical activity, procedures, psychology, psychotherapy, quality of life, review, social background, systematic review, Therapy, Three-Factor-Eating-Questionnaire, training, virtual reality},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{corno_exploring_2025,

title = {Exploring Virtual Reality for Body Image Assessment and Psychological Interventions in Individuals With Obesity: a Comprehensive Review},

author = {G. Corno and Á. Zamora and S. Bouchard and R. Baños and A. Baillot and J. Monthuy-Blanc},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-105024457568&doi=10.1111%2Fobr.70051&partnerID=40&md5=a4e0c666994e96bea80ac58862a14e09},

doi = {10.1111/obr.70051},

issn = {14677881 (ISSN)},

year  = {2025},

date = {2025-01-01},

journal = {Obesity Reviews},

abstract = {Introduction: Individuals living with obesity often experience body image (BI) disturbances, which can negatively affect their quality of life and treatment outcomes. Virtual reality (VR) has emerged as a promising tool for enhancing psychological interventions, but no comprehensive review has specifically focused on VR-based studies addressing BI disturbances in this population. Methods: This comprehensive review examined studies utilizing VR for the assessment and treatment of BI disturbances in individuals with obesity. Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria. Results: Studies were categorized into three groups: (i) VR in psychological interventions for individuals with obesity, (ii) VR interventions following metabolic and bariatric surgery, and (iii) VR-based full-body illusion experiments. The primary clinical application was experiential cognitive therapy, which demonstrated greater efficacy in reducing negative BI compared with standard cognitive behavioral therapy and other treatments. Studies involving post-metabolic and bariatric surgery adults also supported VR's efficacy in reducing BI dissatisfaction, though long-term benefits were inconsistent. Full-body illusion experiments suggested that VR can help modify distorted body perceptions. However, most studies were conducted by the same research group, focused exclusively on women, and were limited to specific geographical regions, primarily Italy. Conclusion: While preliminary results suggest that VR is a promising tool for treating BI disturbances in individuals with obesity, the field remains under-researched. Notably, no studies have explored VR's potential as an assessment tool in this population. Future studies should include more diverse populations, investigate long-term outcomes, and explore potential barriers to clinical implementation. © 2025 The Author(s). Obesity Reviews published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of World Obesity Federation.},

keywords = {body image, body image disturbances, obesity, review, virtual reality},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{bourbeau_role_2025,

title = {The Role of Body Image Perception on a Continuum from Dysfunctional to Healthy Eating Attitudes and Behaviors Among People Seeking Treatment},

author = {F. Bourbeau and S. Bouchard and G. Corno and J. Monthuy-Blanc},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85216120423&doi=10.3390%2Fjcm14020597&partnerID=40&md5=be414bf29fdc6264d47a9c696954c80f},

doi = {10.3390/jcm14020597},

issn = {20770383 (ISSN)},

year  = {2025},

date = {2025-01-01},

journal = {Journal of Clinical Medicine},

volume = {14},

number = {2},

abstract = {Background: Body image disturbance has been associated with various health conditions and has the potential to trigger the development of unhealthy behaviors, including dysfunctional attitudes and eating behaviors, which may evolve into eating disorders. This study explores the relationship between body image variables—such as global self-worth, physical self-worth, and physical attractiveness—and the continuum of eating attitudes and behaviors. Methods: A canonical correlation analysis was performed to assess the multivariate relationship between attitudinal and perceptual variables and the continuum of eating behaviors, with a total of 113 cases analyzed. Results: The findings indicate that intuitive eating and a positive body image (including global self-worth and physical attractiveness) are most strongly associated with the functional end of the continuum, while disordered eating behaviors and body dissatisfaction are linked to the dysfunctional end. Conclusions: These results suggest that interventions targeting the emotional and attitudinal dimensions of body dissatisfaction, whether delivered in vivo or via virtual reality (e.g., weight exposure), may facilitate a shift toward healthier, more functional eating behaviors along the continuum. © 2025 by the authors.},

note = {Publisher: Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI)},

keywords = {Adolescent, adult, aged, article, Attitude, behavior, body dissatisfaction, body dysmorphic disorder, body image, body image perception, body mass, correlation analysis, eating and attitudes and behaviors, eating disorder, Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire, eating disorder inventory, eating habit, feeding behavior, female, healthy diet, healthy lifestyle, help seeking behavior, human, intuitive eating, major clinical study, male, Middle Aged, perception, physical attractiveness, psychological rating scale, retrospective study, Self Concept, self esteem, very elderly, virtual reality, Young Adult},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{bourbeauRoleBodyImage2025,

title = {The Role of Body Image Perception on a Continuum from Dysfunctional to Healthy Eating Attitudes and Behaviors Among People Seeking Treatment},

author = {F. Bourbeau and S. Bouchard and G. Corno and J. Monthuy-Blanc},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/85216120423?origin=resultslist},

doi = {10.3390/jcm14020597},

issn = {20770383 (ISSN)},

year  = {2025},

date = {2025-01-01},

journal = {Journal of Clinical Medicine},

volume = {14},

number = {2},

publisher = {Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI)},

abstract = {Background: Body image disturbance has been associated with various health conditions and has the potential to trigger the development of unhealthy behaviors, including dysfunctional attitudes and eating behaviors, which may evolve into eating disorders. This study explores the relationship between body image variables—such as global self-worth, physical self-worth, and physical attractiveness—and the continuum of eating attitudes and behaviors. Methods: A canonical correlation analysis was performed to assess the multivariate relationship between attitudinal and perceptual variables and the continuum of eating behaviors, with a total of 113 cases analyzed. Results: The findings indicate that intuitive eating and a positive body image (including global self-worth and physical attractiveness) are most strongly associated with the functional end of the continuum, while disordered eating behaviors and body dissatisfaction are linked to the dysfunctional end. Conclusions: These results suggest that interventions targeting the emotional and attitudinal dimensions of body dissatisfaction, whether delivered in vivo or via virtual reality (e.g., weight exposure), may facilitate a shift toward healthier, more functional eating behaviors along the continuum. © 2025 by the authors.},

keywords = {Adolescent, adult, aged, article, Attitude, behavior, body dissatisfaction, body dysmorphic disorder, body image, body image perception, body mass, correlation analysis, eating and attitudes and behaviors, eating disorder, Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire, eating disorder inventory, eating habit, feeding behavior, female, healthy diet, healthy lifestyle, help seeking behavior, human, intuitive eating, major clinical study, male, Middle Aged, perception, physical attractiveness, psychological rating scale, retrospective study, Self Concept, self esteem, very elderly, virtual reality, Young Adult},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{bourbeauRoleBodyImage2025a,

title = {The Role of Body Image Perception on a Continuum from Dysfunctional to Healthy Eating Attitudes and Behaviors Among People Seeking Treatment},

author = {F. Bourbeau and S. Bouchard and G. Corno and J. Monthuy-Blanc},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85216120423&doi=10.3390%2Fjcm14020597&partnerID=40&md5=be414bf29fdc6264d47a9c696954c80f},

doi = {10.3390/jcm14020597},

issn = {20770383 (ISSN)},

year  = {2025},

date = {2025-01-01},

journal = {Journal of Clinical Medicine},

volume = {14},

number = {2},

abstract = {Background: Body image disturbance has been associated with various health conditions and has the potential to trigger the development of unhealthy behaviors, including dysfunctional attitudes and eating behaviors, which may evolve into eating disorders. This study explores the relationship between body image variables—such as global self-worth, physical self-worth, and physical attractiveness—and the continuum of eating attitudes and behaviors. Methods: A canonical correlation analysis was performed to assess the multivariate relationship between attitudinal and perceptual variables and the continuum of eating behaviors, with a total of 113 cases analyzed. Results: The findings indicate that intuitive eating and a positive body image (including global self-worth and physical attractiveness) are most strongly associated with the functional end of the continuum, while disordered eating behaviors and body dissatisfaction are linked to the dysfunctional end. Conclusions: These results suggest that interventions targeting the emotional and attitudinal dimensions of body dissatisfaction, whether delivered in vivo or via virtual reality (e.g., weight exposure), may facilitate a shift toward healthier, more functional eating behaviors along the continuum. © 2025 by the authors.},

keywords = {Adolescent, adult, aged, article, Attitude, behavior, body dissatisfaction, body dysmorphic disorder, body image, body image perception, body mass, correlation analysis, eating and attitudes and behaviors, eating disorder, Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire, eating disorder inventory, eating habit, feeding behavior, female, healthy diet, healthy lifestyle, help seeking behavior, human, intuitive eating, major clinical study, male, Middle Aged, perception, physical attractiveness, psychological rating scale, retrospective study, Self Concept, self esteem, very elderly, virtual reality, Young Adult},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{cornoExploringVirtualReality2025,

title = {Exploring Virtual Reality for Body Image Assessment and Psychological Interventions in Individuals With Obesity: a Comprehensive Review},

author = {G. Corno and Á. Zamora and S. Bouchard and R. Baños and A. Baillot and J. Monthuy-Blanc},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-105024457568&doi=10.1111%2Fobr.70051&partnerID=40&md5=a4e0c666994e96bea80ac58862a14e09},

doi = {10.1111/obr.70051},

issn = {14677881 (ISSN)},

year  = {2025},

date = {2025-01-01},

journal = {Obesity Reviews},

abstract = {Introduction: Individuals living with obesity often experience body image (BI) disturbances, which can negatively affect their quality of life and treatment outcomes. Virtual reality (VR) has emerged as a promising tool for enhancing psychological interventions, but no comprehensive review has specifically focused on VR-based studies addressing BI disturbances in this population. Methods: This comprehensive review examined studies utilizing VR for the assessment and treatment of BI disturbances in individuals with obesity. Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria. Results: Studies were categorized into three groups: (i) VR in psychological interventions for individuals with obesity, (ii) VR interventions following metabolic and bariatric surgery, and (iii) VR-based full-body illusion experiments. The primary clinical application was experiential cognitive therapy, which demonstrated greater efficacy in reducing negative BI compared with standard cognitive behavioral therapy and other treatments. Studies involving post-metabolic and bariatric surgery adults also supported VR's efficacy in reducing BI dissatisfaction, though long-term benefits were inconsistent. Full-body illusion experiments suggested that VR can help modify distorted body perceptions. However, most studies were conducted by the same research group, focused exclusively on women, and were limited to specific geographical regions, primarily Italy. Conclusion: While preliminary results suggest that VR is a promising tool for treating BI disturbances in individuals with obesity, the field remains under-researched. Notably, no studies have explored VR's potential as an assessment tool in this population. Future studies should include more diverse populations, investigate long-term outcomes, and explore potential barriers to clinical implementation. © 2025 The Author(s). Obesity Reviews published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of World Obesity Federation.},

keywords = {body image, body image disturbances, obesity, review, virtual reality},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{corno_development_2024,

title = {Development of a visual-perceptual method to assess body image: A cross-cultural validation in Canadian and Spanish women},

author = {G. Corno and A. Paquette and D. Burychka and M. Miragall and M. -C. Rivard and R. M. Baños and S. Bouchard},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85189089793&doi=10.1002%2ferv.3086&partnerID=40&md5=99c221e60e3d5caad167cec6fd25dddd},

doi = {10.1002/erv.3086},

issn = {10724133 (ISSN)},

year  = {2024},

date = {2024-01-01},

journal = {European Eating Disorders Review},

publisher = {John Wiley and Sons Ltd},

abstract = {The objectives of this study were (a) to explore the preliminary cross-cultural validity of a visual-perceptual method to assess body image; (b) to examine potential differences and similarities in body image phenomena between women from two Western countries (i.e., Canada and Spain). 201 self-identified women participated in this cross-sectional study. Ideal, normal, and self-perceived body sizes were assessed using a visual-perceptual method, whereas body dissatisfaction was measured using both a visual-perceptual method and a questionnaire. Visual-perceptual body dissatisfaction was significantly correlated with questionnaire body dissatisfaction, suggesting a preliminary convergent validity between the two assessment methods. Women in both countries were dissatisfied with their bodies. Compared to their self-perceived body, all women chose a significantly thinner visual representation of their “normal” and ideal body. These results may suggest a shift towards the “thin” body as not only ideal, but also normative. This study provides the first evidence for the cross-cultural validity of a visual-perceptual body image assessment tool. The results of the current study confirm the presence of “normative discontent”, and suggest more cross-country similarities than differences among women from these two Western societies. © 2024 Eating Disorders Association and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.},

note = {Publisher: John Wiley and Sons Ltd},

keywords = {Adolescent, adult, analytic method, article, assessment, body dissatisfaction, body image, body image dissatisfaction, Body Size, Canada, Canadian, controlled study, convergent validity, correlation analysis, cross validation, cross-country, Cross-Cultural Comparison, Cross-Sectional Studies, cross-sectional study, cultural anthropology, cultural factor, exploratory research, female, human, Humans, ideal body size, intermethod comparison, Middle Aged, normal body size, psychology, questionnaire, reproducibility, Reproducibility of Results, Self Concept, Spain, Spaniard, Surveys and Questionnaires, thin ideal, underweight, vision, Visual Perception, visual-perceptual method, Young Adult},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{cornoDevelopmentVisualperceptualMethod2024,

title = {Development of a visual-perceptual method to assess body image: A cross-cultural validation in Canadian and Spanish women},

author = {G. Corno and A. Paquette and D. Burychka and M. Miragall and M. -C. Rivard and R. M. Baños and S. Bouchard},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85189089793&doi=10.1002%2ferv.3086&partnerID=40&md5=99c221e60e3d5caad167cec6fd25dddd},

doi = {10.1002/erv.3086},

issn = {10724133 (ISSN)},

year  = {2024},

date = {2024-01-01},

journal = {European Eating Disorders Review},

publisher = {John Wiley and Sons Ltd},

abstract = {The objectives of this study were (a) to explore the preliminary cross-cultural validity of a visual-perceptual method to assess body image; (b) to examine potential differences and similarities in body image phenomena between women from two Western countries (i.e., Canada and Spain). 201 self-identified women participated in this cross-sectional study. Ideal, normal, and self-perceived body sizes were assessed using a visual-perceptual method, whereas body dissatisfaction was measured using both a visual-perceptual method and a questionnaire. Visual-perceptual body dissatisfaction was significantly correlated with questionnaire body dissatisfaction, suggesting a preliminary convergent validity between the two assessment methods. Women in both countries were dissatisfied with their bodies. Compared to their self-perceived body, all women chose a significantly thinner visual representation of their “normal” and ideal body. These results may suggest a shift towards the “thin” body as not only ideal, but also normative. This study provides the first evidence for the cross-cultural validity of a visual-perceptual body image assessment tool. The results of the current study confirm the presence of “normative discontent”, and suggest more cross-country similarities than differences among women from these two Western societies. © 2024 Eating Disorders Association and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.},

keywords = {Adolescent, adult, analytic method, article, assessment, body dissatisfaction, body image, body image dissatisfaction, Body Size, Canada, Canadian, controlled study, convergent validity, correlation analysis, cross validation, cross-country, Cross-Cultural Comparison, Cross-Sectional Studies, cross-sectional study, cultural anthropology, cultural factor, exploratory research, female, human, Humans, ideal body size, intermethod comparison, Middle Aged, normal body size, psychology, questionnaire, reproducibility, Reproducibility of Results, Self Concept, Spain, Spaniard, Surveys and Questionnaires, thin ideal, underweight, vision, Visual Perception, visual-perceptual method, Young Adult},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{baillot_factors_2023,

title = {Factors Associated with Excess Skin After Bariatric Surgery: a Mixed-Method Study},

author = {A. Baillot and J. Brunet and L. Lemelin and S. A. Gabriel and M. -F. Langlois and A. Tchernof and L. Biertho and R. Rabasa-Lhoret and P. Y. Garneau and A. Aimé and S. Bouchard and A. J. Romain and P. Bernard},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85163716815&doi=10.1007%2fs11695-023-06698-w&partnerID=40&md5=c86ee43b5f7daf6c350936d38944d013},

doi = {10.1007/s11695-023-06698-w},

issn = {09608923 (ISSN)},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-01-01},

journal = {Obesity Surgery},

volume = {33},

number = {8},

pages = {2324–2334},

publisher = {Springer},

abstract = {Purpose: After metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS), many patients have excess skin (ES), which can cause inconveniences. Identifying factors related to ES quantity and inconveniences is crucial to inform interventions. The aim of this study was to identify sociodemographic, physical, psychosocial, and behavioral factors associated with ES quantity and inconveniences. Materials and Methods: A mixed-method study with a sequential explanatory design was conducted with 124 adults (92% women, M age 46.5 ± 9.9 years, M time post-MBS 34.2 ± 27.6 months). During phase I, ES quantity (arms, abdomen, thighs) and inconveniences and sociodemographic, anthropometric, clinical, and behavioral outcomes were assessed. In phase II, 7 focus groups were performed with 37 participants from phase I. A triangulation protocol was completed to identify convergences, complementarities, and dissonances from quantitative and qualitative data. Results: Quantitative data indicate only ES quantity on arms was associated with ES inconveniences on arms (r =.36, p <.01). Total ES quantity was associated with maximal body mass index (BMI) reached pre-MBS (r =.48, p <.05) and current BMI (r =.35, p <.05). Greater ES inconvenience was associated with higher social physique anxiety and age (R 2 =.50, p <.01). Qualitative data were summarized into 4 themes: psychosocial experiences living with ES, physical ailments due to ES, essential support and unmet needs, and beliefs of ES quantity causes. Conclusion: Measured ES quantity is related to higher BMI, but not reported inconveniences. Greater self-reported ES quantity and inconveniences were associated with body image concerns. Graphical Abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.] © 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.},

note = {Publisher: Springer},

keywords = {adult, Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, anthropometry, Anxiety, article, asthma, Bariatric Surgery, body dissatisfaction, body image, body mass, Body Mass Index, controlled study, dermatomycosis, Dyadic Adjustment Scale, employment status, excess skin, female, heart disease, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, household income, human, Humans, hypertension, major clinical study, male, Mental health, Middle Aged, Mixed methods, Morbid, morbid obesity, non insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, obesity, physical activity, procedures, psychology, qualitative analysis, quality of life, quantitative analysis, sedentary time, skin irritation, skin malformation, sleep apnea syndromes, social psychology, Social Support, stria, sun exposure},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}