File(s) under permanent embargo
The cognitive-interpersonal model of disordered eating: a test of the mediating role of alexithymia
journal contribution
posted on 2020-05-01, 00:00 authored by S Giles, E K Hughes, Matthew Fuller-TyszkiewiczMatthew Fuller-Tyszkiewicz, I KrugObjective: The cognitive-interpersonal model proposes that high levels of attention to detail and cognitive rigidity confer risk for the development of eating disorders (EDs) and that socioemotional deficits, such as alexithymia, contribute to their maintenance. However, no studies have examined the direct and indirect relationships of these constructs. We investigated the mediating role of specific alexithymia traits (difficulties describing feelings, difficulties identifying feelings, and externally oriented thinking) on the relationship between attention to detail, cognitive rigidity, and ED symptoms while controlling for anxiety and depression symptoms. Method: Four hundred and one nonclinical female participants (M = 20.57, SD = 4.99 years old) completed self-report measures assessing the variables of interest. Results: Path analyses revealed that difficulties identifying feelings was the only significant mediator between attention to detail and cognitive rigidity to ED symptoms. However, these mediation effects became nonsignificant after controlling for anxiety and depression. Conclusions: Difficulties identifying feelings may in part underlie the relationship between attention to detail and cognitive rigidity and ED symptoms, providing support for the cognitive-interpersonal model. However, these relationships are heavily influenced by anxiety and depression symptoms. Enhancing individual's ability to identify emotional states may help to decrease ED symptoms for individuals who report high levels of attention to detail and cognitive rigidity.
History
Journal
European eating disorders reviewVolume
28Issue
3Pagination
296 - 308Publisher
John Wiley & SonsLocation
Chichester, Eng.Publisher DOI
ISSN
1072-4133eISSN
1099-0968Language
engPublication classification
C1 Refereed article in a scholarly journalUsage metrics
Categories
No categories selectedKeywords
Licence
Exports
RefWorks
BibTeX
Ref. manager
Endnote
DataCite
NLM
DC