Metacognition in Binge Eating Disorder

The aim of this research is to develop a better understanding of metacognitions about binge eating in Binge Eating Disorder based on the Self-Regulatory Executive Function model. Binge eating refers to an episode of eating an unusually large amount of food accompanied by a sense of loss of control. Recent literature has started to explore the possibility that metacognition, i.e., beliefs that an individual has about his or her internal experience and how to manage them, may be associated with eating disorders. However, to date no studies have explored whether specific metacognitions about binge eating could be identified in the field of Binge Eating Disorder. The studies examined in this thesis are an effort to explore the existence of specific metacognitions about binge eating in Binge Eating Disorder. This has involved interviewing individuals with a diagnosis of Binge Eating Disorder in order to create a metacognitive profile and using that profile to develop a measure of metacognitions associated to binge eating. Moreover, a comparison between participants with a formal diagnosis of Binge Eating Disorder and individuals belonging to the general population (but presenting at least one episode of binge eating within the last three months) was carried out. As a result, two types of metacognitions about binge eating were identified, namely positive and negative metacognitions. The former appeared to be associated with the usefulness of engaging in binge eating, while the latter emphasized the uncontrollability of binge eating and its adverse effects on cognitive and emotional states. When participants with a formal diagnosis of Binge Eating Disorder were compared to the general population with a history of binge eating episodes, the former showed higher scores on both positive and negative metacognitions about binge eating compared to the latter. Clinical and treatment implications in the use of Metacognitive Therapy, general limitations, and potential for future research will also be discussed.