Body Image Disturbance and Disordered Eating Behaviours: we must Invest in Public Health Policies to Promote People's Quality of Life

Abstract

Proliferation of controlled clinical trials has sparked a discourse within the field of psychology regarding the compatibility (or lack thereof) of clinical and research pursuits. This discourse derives from differences in methodologies and aims. The authors envision a crossroads that holds potential for mutual benefits to both research and clinical practice. In this paper, the authors seek to add to the discourse their observations from current literature and personal experiences of what is possible and positive about working at this crossroads. The authors begin by discussing the advantages of involvement in randomized clinical trial research to patient and clinician alike. They then offer suggestions for increasing the potential for smooth and productive combining of research with clinical pursuits, addressing protocol and manual development and the dissemination of research findings. Included is the perspective of clinicians working within research settings as well as that of researchers interested in making their work relevant and user-friendly to clinicians. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)