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Published on: May 8, 2018
Metacognition in anorexia nervosa, dieting and non-dieting controls: a preliminary investigation
Myra J Cooper1, Elizabeth Grocutt, Kavita Deepak
1Isis Education Centre, University of Oxford, Warneford Hospital, Oxford OX3 7JX, UK. myra.cooper@hmc.ox.ac.uk
Objective:
The aim of the current study was to provide a preliminary investigation of the presence of metacognition in anorexia nervosa (AN).
Method:
Female participants with a history of AN (N=16), dieters (N=15) and non-dieting controls (N=17) completed self-report questionnaires, including one assessing five dimensions of metacognition.
Results:
Those with a history of AN, compared to both control groups, had higher scores on metacognition; indicating higher levels of uncontrollability and danger; cognitive confidence; need for control; and cognitive self-consciousness, but not higher levels of positive beliefs.
Conclusion:
Metacognition is worthy of further study in those with a history of AN.
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