Abstract
Background: Literature has pointed out a probable association between metacognitive beliefs and eating disorders. To date, no study has synthetized all research exploring the differences or similarities in metacognitive beliefs across different eating disorders diagnoses and eating problems. Aims: To review the evidence on metacognitive beliefs across the spectrum of eating disorders and eating behaviours. Method: A comprehensive search was conducted on PubMed and PsycInfo. The search terms used were: ‘eating disorders/anorexia/bulimia/binge eating disorder/binge eating’ AND ‘metacognitions/metacognitive beliefs’. A manual search of reference lists was also run. Results: Eleven studies were identified. Anorexia Nervosa was broadly characterized by higher levels of metacognitive beliefs compared to the general population, particularly negative beliefs about worry and beliefs about the need to control thoughts. Positive beliefs about worry were higher in Anorexia Nervosa compared to Bulimia Nervosa and Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified, and in Bulimia Nervosa compared to Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified. Negative beliefs about worry were higher in Anorexia Nervosa compared to Bulimia Nervosa. Cognitive self-consciousness was higher in Anorexia Nervosa compared to Bulimia Nervosa and Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified. Conclusions: Metacognitive beliefs appear to be implicated in eating disorders and eating behaviours.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 1254-1265 |
| Number of pages | 12 |
| Journal | Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy |
| Volume | 28 |
| Issue number | 5 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 23 Feb 2021 |
Bibliographical note
This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: Palmieri, S., Mansueto, G., Ruggiero, G. M., Caselli, G., Sassaroli, S., & Spada, M. M. (2021). Metacognitive beliefs across eating disorders and eating behaviours: A systematic review. Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy, 28(5), 1254–1265., which has been published in final form at https://doi.org/10.1002/cpp.2573. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Use of Self-Archived Versions. This article may not be enhanced, enriched or otherwise transformed into a derivative work, without express permission from Wiley or by statutory rights under applicable legislation. Copyright notices must not be removed, obscured or modified. The article must be linked to Wiley’s version of record on Wiley Online Library and any embedding, framing or otherwise making available the article or pages thereof by third parties from platforms, services and websites other than Wiley Online Library must be prohibited.Keywords
- Clinical Psychology