Cognitions and their origins in women with anorexia nervosa, normal dieters and female controls

Abstract

AbstractThe objective of the study was to develop a semi‐structured interview with which to investigate cognitions and their origins in female patients with anorexia nervosa, normal female dieters and female non‐dieting controls and to explore group differences in cognitions and, where appropriate, the role of early experience in their development. Following piloting, all participants completed the semi‐structured interview and five self‐report questionnaires to assess reliability and validity of the interview. When discussing eating‐related concerns clinical participants reported more eating‐related thoughts than non‐clinical participants. These differences were also evident, although to a slightly lesser extent, when discussing concerns about weight and shape. Clinical participants reported more assumptions relating to eating, and weight and shape as a means to acceptance by self and others, and to control over‐eating than non‐clinical participants. A similar pattern of group difference was reported in degree of belief and associated distress. Clinical participants identified more negative self‐beliefs than non‐clinical participants. A similar pattern of group difference was reported in degree of rational and emotional belief, and associated distress. All clinical participants identified an association between negative early experiences and negative self‐beliefs, and all reported a link between negative self‐beliefs and dieting. There are clear differences in cognitive characteristics between women with anorexia nervosa, normal dieters and non‐dieting female controls. The meaning attached to dieting may also distinguish dieters from those with a clinical eating disorder. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.