Bias in interpretation of ambiguous scenarios in eating disorders

doi:10.1016/S0005-7967(97)00021-1

Behaviour Research and Therapy

Volume 35, Issue 7, July 1997, Pages 619-626

https://doi.org/10.1016/S0005-7967(97)00021-1 Get rights and content

Abstract

Eating disorders appear to be associated with biased information processing, particularly in judgments involving the self. This study investigated three possible biases. Patients with anorexia nervosa, patients with bulimia nervosa and female controls completed questionnaires designed to assess interpretation of ambiguous scenarios with either a negative or positive outcome. When events had a negative outcome the patients responded spontaneously to open-ended questions with a weight and shape interpretation. Later, in a forced-choice format, they selected the weight and shape interpretation in preference to interpretations not connected to weight and shape. In both open-ended and forced-choice format this bias was specific to judgements involving the self. When events had a positive outcome the bias was reversed and, in the two formats, it was found only in judgments involving others. In both cases, i.e. for negative self-referent events and for positive other-referent events, patients predicted that weight and shape explanations were more likely. Both groups of patients estimated that negative outcomes involving the self would be more costly. The patients with bulimia nervosa also estimated that positive outcomes involving the self would be more beneficial. Theoretical explanations and clinical implications are discussed.

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Bias in interpretation of ambiguous scenarios in eating disorders

Abstract

Advances in Behaviour Therapy and Research

Behaviour Research and Therapy

Behaviour Research and Therapy

Behaviour Therapy

Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, revised (DSM-III-R)

Costs and benefits of judgement errors: Implications for debiasing

Psychological Bulletin

Anxiety disorders and phobias: A cognitive perspective

Cognitive therapy of depression

An inventory for measuring depression

Archives of General Psychiatry

Compulsive neurosis: A review of the literature

Psychological Bulletin