Metacognition in eating disorders: An analogue sample

It is well documented that anxiety and worry play a significant role in the maintenance of eating disorder pathology. Research has shown that underlying these cognitive processes are specific metacognitive beliefs. Beliefs about worries being uncontrollable and dangerous (BUD), and the need to control thoughts (NCT) are the most prevalent metacognitive beliefs related to the development of disordered eating. Some theories suggest that disordered eating serves as a means of an individual gaining a greater sense of control, however, there is a lack of clarity about other methods individuals may use to control their thoughts. The aim of the present study was to examine whether metacognitive beliefs (BUD and NCT) were predictors of disordered eating over time and whether this relationship was mediated by worry as a thought control strategy. A convenience sample (n=153) completed measures of metacognition (MCQ-30), disordered eating behaviour (EDEQ), and thought control strategy (TCQ) at two-time points over a 6-month period. A two-wave longitudinal mediation analysis showed that the metacognitive belief BUD predicted disordered eating (accounting for 1.7% of the variance) and that the metacognitive belief NCT accounted for 2.4% of the variance. Metacognitive beliefs also predicted the use of worry as a thought control strategy. However, no interaction effect was found between worry as a thought control strategy and disordered eating. The results add to previous research that metacognitive beliefs play a prominent role in the development of disordered eating behaviour