Core Beliefs in Anorexic and Bulimic Women

Abstract

There is research evidence to suggest the presence of dysfunctional cognitions in anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa that are not related to food, weight, or shape. These maladaptive cognitions have not been addressed by the conventional cognitive behavioral models of etiology or therapy. This study aimed to assess the impact of unhealthy core beliefs on eating disorders and their symptoms. Twenty restricting anorexics, 10 bulimic anorexics, 27 bulimics, and 23 normal controls completed Young's Schema Questionnaire. Eating behaviors and attitudes were also measured. The results indicate that both anorexic and bulimic women had significantly higher levels of unhealthy core beliefs than comparison women, but the clinical groups only differed on one individual core belief (entitlement). However, there were different patterns of association between core beliefs and eating psychopathology in anorexic and bulimic women. It is suggested that future clinical practice should incorporate core beliefs as a potential element in the assessment and treatment of eating disorders.

Anger and core beliefs in the eating disorders

“…In keeping with previous findings (e.g., Leung et al, 1999), the clinical groups had more unhealthy core beliefs than the nonclinical women in all cases (Kruskal-Wallis test:…”

“…The schematic level of cognitive representation (unconditional core beliefs) has been cited (e.g., Young, 1994) as being responsible for phenomena such as rapid mood swings (a result of the triggering of unconditional core beliefs) and mood suppression (caused by the activation of emotional inhibition beliefs). Although schema-level representations have received more attention in terms of their capacity to explain personality disorder pathology, they can be understood as playing a specific role in disorders with an impulsive component (such as bulimia) or with a compulsive element (such as restriction) (e.g., Leung, Waller, & Thomas, 1999).…”

Maladaptive Schemas and Psychopathology in Adolescence: On the Utility of Young’s Schema Theory in Youth

“…: Jovev & Jackson, 2004;Petrocelli, Glaser, Calhoun, & Campbell, 2001), eating disorders (e.g. : Leung, Waller, & Thomas, 1999;Unoka, Tolgyes, & Czobor, 2007;Waller, Ohanian, Meyer, & Osman, 2000), alcohol and drug abuse (e.g. : Brotchie, Meyer, Copello, Kidney, & Waller, 2004), anxiety (e.g.…”

Schema and parental bonding in overweight and nonoverweight female adolescents

“…[22][23][24] High levels of belief in dysfunctional schema are typically associated with eating disorder diagnosis. Two measures of schema have been used in studies: the negative self-beliefs subscale of the Eating Disorder Belief Questionnaire 5 and the Young Schema Questionnaire.…”