Auburn University psychologist explores how awareness of physical and emotional sensations can contribute to eating disorders and suicidal behavior

What is interoception, and how does it affect mental health? Auburn University’s April Smith answers these and other questions in her recent interview in the American Psychological Association's Monitor magazine.

In her Research on Eating Disorders and Suicidality Lab, Smith, an assistant professor in the Department of Psychological Sciences, studies interoception, or the awareness of body sensations. With funding from the Department of Defense, she is exploring an intervention to improve interoception to reduce the risk of suicide, eating disorders and other negative outcomes, both in service members and civilians. Smith talked with the Monitor about the importance of better understanding this underappreciated sixth sense.

Full interview with Smith and the Monitor.