Current Research Projects
The EM-Body Project
The aim of this research project is to establish if there are functional and structural differences in the brains of individuals with high and low body image dissatisfaction and to examine whether Eye Movement and Desensitisation Reprocessing therapy is an effective treatment for body image distress.
Chief Investigator: Dr Kathleen de Boer
Associated Investigators: Dr Inge Gnatt, Dr Matthew Hughes, Ms Catherine Brennan, Professor Maja Nedeljkovic & Dr Sarah Dominguez
Funding: School of Health Sciences School Research Grant, Swinburne University of Technology.
The BODYMED Project
There is a critical gap in research in terms of understanding the profile of those seeking the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP1), and the consequences when ceasing use. This is a crucial area of research given the potential use of these medications among vulnerable populations such as those experiencing eating disorders and body image dissatisfaction. The aim of this research is to examine the experience of key stakeholders and consumers regarding the use of GLP1s and their relationship to body image distress and disordered eating to contribute to the development of lived-experienced, clinician endorsed treatment and assessment guidelines.
Chief Investigator: Dr Kathleen de Boer
Associated Investigators: Dr Inge Gnatt, Dr Courtney McLean, Dr Brooke Healey, Ms Jo Money & Ms Evie Gardiner.
The RESPOND-ED project
REcognition and Support in Physiotherapy for Outpatient Needs in Depression and Eating Disorders
This project explores how physiotherapists can better recognise and respond to depression and eating disorders in everyday practice. Co-designed with people with lived experience and physiotherapists, it aims to develop practical tools to support earlier identification and referral to appropriate care.
We are currently recruiting our Lived Experience Advisory Group, and our Physiotherapy Advisory Group. If you are interested in participating, please email ignatt@swin.edu.au
Chief Investigator: Dr Inge Gnatt
Associated Investigators:
Dr Kathleen de Boer, Professor Maja Nedeljkovic, Dr Catherine Orr, Ms Bailey Yoshia, Dr Stephanie Miles, Dr Darren Haywood, Dr Matthew King, Dr Charlotte Ganderton
Funding: This project is supported by funding from the Barbara Dicker Brain Sciences Foundation.
The GUIDE-ED Project
Guiding Understanding and Intervention in Disordered Eating
GUIDE-ED aims to develop a practical framework to support more personalised treatment for eating disorders. The project will identify key psychological and social processes involved in the development, maintenance, and recovery from eating disorders, and translate these into a structured tool to support collaborative formulation and treatment planning.
Developed through a review of the research literature and expert consensus with clinicians and people with lived experience, the framework will help clinicians and clients identify priority treatment targets, select appropriate interventions, and monitor progress over time. The goal is to support transparent, person-centred care and improve shared decision-making in eating disorder treatment.
Chief Investigator: Dr Inge Gnatt
Associated Investigators: Dr Kathleen de Boer, A/Professor Andrea Phillipou, Dr Kelvin Wong
Funding: This project is funded by the Centre for Mental Health and Brain Sciences at Swinburne University of Technology.