Cognitive Theory

• What does this theory propose?

  Anorexia is a product of maladaptive thought processes

  • e.g. individual has unrealistic level of perfection in order to be accepted

  These thought processes create cognitive distortions
• Cognitive distortions 


  ---> errors in thinking that may cause ind to develop a negative body image.

  May occur in exposure to models with more ideal body type. May lead to ind making strict rules about eating. Resulting in self disgust
• Irrational beliefs

  ---> unrealistic and maladaptive ideas that lead to development and maintenance of AN. Ind engage in:

  • Catastrophising - believing worst outcome will always happen
  • Absolutist thinking - thinking 1 action means specific outcome that's not proportionate with actual action

  Ind with anorexia are often perfectionists and will set unrealistic goals to reach. Failure = harshly judging themselves
• Strength of Cognitive Theory

  Empirical and scientific evidence

  Sachdev et al - used fMRI brain scans.

  • Found when pps shown images of themselves those with anorexia showed little activation in parts of brain linked to attention compared to control group
  • Pps shown images of others = no difference between groups

  Suggests cognitive distortions do exist in AN individuals but are limited to individuals own body image
• Limitation to appose previous strength

  Lack of causation

  Most evidence doesnt establish the cause.

  Although cognitive distortions are found in AN ind its unclear whether thought processes cause disorder. Theory doesnt explain what initially causes distorted thoughts
• Strength of of Cognitive Theory

  Practical application

  CBT - used to treat AN by helping ind recognise and challenge their irrational beliefs about body image and food

  + research supports effectiveness of CBT reduces symptoms of AN by promoting healthier eating behaviours by targeting cognitive distortions - Dalle Grave et al
• Limitation of Cognitive Theory

  Reductionist

  Focuses mainly on cognitive factors. Ignores others e.g. biological influences (genes) or social influences (media)

  Doesnt fully explain AN which is likely to be a combination of all
• Limitation of Cognitive Theory

  Cognitive distortions may be symptoms, not cause of AN

  Theory explains cognitive distortions as symptom of AN and explains the maintenance of it. It doesnt address the cause - lacks validity

  • e.g. CBT may help ind change thoughts but not address other issues e.g. trauma that may be factor in development

  ---> not comprehensive solution