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Dysfunctional schemas and eating pathology in overweight youth: a case-control study
Leen Van Vlierberghe1, Caroline Braet, Lien Goossens
1Department of Developmental, Personality and Social Psychology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium. Leen.VanVlierberghe@UGent.be
The International Journal of Eating Disorders
|December 31, 2008
Summary
Overweight adolescents with loss of control over eating show more negative basic beliefs (dysfunctional schemas). These schemas are linked to eating disorder symptoms and depression.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Adolescent Health
Background:
- Dysfunctional schemas, or negative core beliefs, are implicated in various psychological conditions.
- Overweight adolescents are at risk for developing eating disorders and depression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the relationship between dysfunctional schemas and eating disorder (ED) symptoms in overweight adolescents.
- To explore the association between dysfunctional schemas and depression in this population.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study comparing 32 overweight adolescents with loss of control over eating (LC) to 32 without (NoLC).
- Participants were matched for referral status, age, gender, and degree of overweight.
- Data collected via the Eating Disorder Examination-Child version, Young Schema Questionnaire, and Children's Depression Inventory.
Main Results:
- The LC group exhibited significantly higher severity of dysfunctional schemas compared to the NoLC group.
- Maladaptive schemas were correlated with ED cognitions, attitudes towards dietary restraint, and depressive symptoms.
Conclusions:
- Dysfunctional thinking patterns and negative affect are associated with eating disorder symptoms in overweight adolescents.
- These findings highlight the role of core beliefs in the psychopathology of eating disorders and depression in this demographic.
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