Dr. Alexandra D. Convertino

My research largely focuses on the role of stress – defined broadly to include both traumatic stressors and everyday stress – in eating disorders and other body image-related disorders (e.g., body dysmorphic disorder, muscle dysmorphia).

 Part of my research focuses on the exploration of eating disorders in sexual minority (e.g., gay, lesbian, bisexual) individuals. According to minority stress theory, sexual minority individuals experience specific stressors (e.g., discrimination, internalized homophobia) due to interacting with the hegemonic structures that enforce heterosexuality. By investigating the associations of sexual minority stressors with eating disorders, body image, and related behaviors, I hope to identify possible avenues for specific, unique prevention and intervention efforts among this population, eventually alleviating the elevated health burden placed upon sexual minority individuals.

Another line of my research is focused on how traumatic stressors and posttraumatic stress disorder are associated with eating disorders. Specifically, how certain types of traumatic events and post-traumatic reactions are associated with specific symptom profiles, later or earlier in life onset, and methods of mitigating the relationship between trauma and eating pathology.

Convertino, A. D., & *Mendoza, R. R. (2023). Posttraumatic stress disorder, traumatic events, and longitudinal eating disorder treatment outcomes: A systematic review. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 56(6), 1055–1074. https://doi.org/10.1002/eat.23933

Convertino, A. D., Elbe, C. I., *Mendoza, R. R., Calzo, J. P., Brown, T. A., Siegel, J. A., Jun, H., Corliss, H. L., & Blashill, A. J. (2022). Internalization of muscularity and thinness ideals: Associations with body dissatisfaction, eating disorder symptoms, and muscle dysmorphic symptoms in at risk sexual minority men. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 55(12), 1765-1776. https://doi.org/10.1002/eat.23829

Claudat, K., Reilly, E. E., Convertino, A. D., Trim, J., Cusack, A. & Kaye, W. H. (2022). Integrating evidence-based PTSD treatment into intensive eating disorders treatment: a preliminary investigation. Eating and Weight Disorders, 27, 2599-3607. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40519-022-01500-9

Convertino, A. D., Morland, L. A., & Blashill, A. J. (2022). Trauma exposure and eating disorders: Results from a United States nationally representative sample. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 55(8), 1079-1089. https://doi.org/10.1002/eat.23757

Convertino, A. D., & Blashill, A. J. (2022). Psychiatric comorbidity of eating disorders in children between the ages of 9 and 10. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 63(5), 519–526. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpp.13484

Convertino, A. D., Helm, J. L., Pennesi, J-L., Gonzales IV, M., & Blashill, A. J. (2021). Integrating minority stress theory and the tripartite influence model: A model of eating disordered behavior in sexual minority young adults. Appetite, 163. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2021.105204

Convertino, A. D., Brady, J. P., Grunewald, W., & Blashill, A. J. (2021). Intimate partner violence and muscularity-building behavior in Latino sexual minority men. Eating Disorders: The Journal of Treatment & Prevention, 29(3), 245–259. https://doi.org/10.1080/10640266.2021.1891371

Convertino, A. D., Brady, J. P., Albright, C. A., Gonzales IV, M., & Blashill, A. J. (2021). The role of sexual minority stress and community involvement on disordered eating, dysmorphic concerns and appearance- and performance-enhancing drug misuse. Body Image, 36, 53-63. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2020.10.006

Convertino, A. D., Gonzales IV, M., Malcarne, V. L., & Blashill, A. J. (2019). A psychometric investigation of the Sociocultural Attitudes Towards Appearance Questionnaire-4-Revised among sexual minority adults in the U.S. Body Image, 31, 96–101. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2019.08.013

Convertino, A. D., Rodgers, R. F., Franko, D. L., & Jodoin, A. (2016). An evaluation of the Aerie Real campaign: Potential for promoting positive body image? Journal of Health Psychology, 24(6), 726–737. https://doi.org/10.1177/1359105316680022 

PSY 363.  Abnormal Psychology