Beschreibung:
<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title><jats:sec><jats:title>Objective</jats:title><jats:p>The present study investigates the impact of psychosocial stress on chewing and eating behavior in patients with anorexia nervosa (P<jats:sub>AN</jats:sub>).</jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Method</jats:title><jats:p>The eating and chewing behavior of P<jats:sub>AN</jats:sub> were examined in a standardized setting by means of a chewing sensor. These procedures encompassed <jats:italic>n</jats:italic> = 19 P<jats:sub>AN</jats:sub>, age, and gender matched to <jats:italic>n</jats:italic> = 19 healthy controls (HC). Food intake and chewing frequency were assessed in two experimental conditions: rest versus stress (via Trier Social Stress Test). To verify stress induction, two appraisal scales were employed. In addition, chronic stress, psychological distress and eating disorder symptoms were assessed.</jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Results</jats:title><jats:p>In terms of food intake and chewing frequency, the results of the 2x2 ANOVA demonstrated a significant effect of <jats:italic>condition</jats:italic> and <jats:italic>group</jats:italic>. During stress, all participants demonstrated a higher chewing frequency and a decreased ingestion. In general, patients ate less at a lower chewing frequency (vs. HC). However, sample specific analyses demonstrated that the eating and chewing behavior of P<jats:sub>AN</jats:sub> remained unchanged regardless of the condition, except for their drinking. Food choices were comparable between the groups, but appetite values significantly differed.</jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Discussion</jats:title><jats:p>The increase in chewing frequency in all participants during stress suggests that chewing might impact affect regulation, however, not specifically in P<jats:sub>AN</jats:sub>. Future research should clarify to what extent the normalization of chewing behavior could ameliorate ED‐symptoms (incl. food intake) in P<jats:sub>AN</jats:sub>. The application of a chewing sensor could support this aim and future interventions.</jats:p></jats:sec>