Abstract
BackgroundThe processing of schema-related information is important in the maintenance of specific eating disorder (ED)-related belief systems and psychopathology. To date, most research on differences in the processing of ED schematic information has used interview or self-report questionnaire measures. Dieting is a known risk factor for EDs and dieters have been included in some studies. However, they have not been compared with non-dieters on a novel, objective measure of ED related schema processing.MethodsThe current study recruited healthy female volunteers from the community and divided them into dieting (n = 25) and non-dieting (n = 24) groups using rigorous criteria. ED self-schemas with content unrelated to eating, weight and shape were measured using a self-schema processing task.ResultsDieters endorsed significantly more ED relevant words compared to non-dieters, whereas non-dieters rejected significantly more ED relevant words compared to dieters. Reaction times to endorsements and rejections were non-significant when the two groups were compared. In a surprise recall task, dieters recalled significantly more ED relevant words.ConclusionThe results of this study support the presence of ED self-schemas with negative content unrelated to eating, weight and shape in otherwise healthy dieters. Implications for future research and the early identification of individuals vulnerable to EDs are discussed.
Highlights
The processing of schema-related information is important in the maintenance of specific eating disorder (ED)-related belief systems and psychopathology
Body Mass Index (BMI) data was missing for one participant in the dieting group
The current findings indicate that dieters with no significant ED symptoms endorse significantly more ED relevant words as “Me” when compared to non-dieters
Summary
The processing of schema-related information is important in the maintenance of specific eating disorder (ED)-related belief systems and psychopathology. Dieting is a known risk factor for EDs and dieters have been included in some studies. They have not been compared with non-dieters on a novel, objective measure of ED related schema processing. As described by Young [5, 6] these schemata typically develop early in life, and commonly associated with personality disorders, have a strong association with EDs (for example, as measured by the Young Schema Questionnaire (YSQ, [7]) [8]. It has proved difficult to identify schema patterns typical of eating or other psychiatric disorders using the YSQ, self-schemata or negative self-beliefs that. Given the role of dieting in EDs, one group who may have accessible ED related self-schemata are dieters
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have