The role of core beliefs in the specific cognitions of bulimic patients.

Cognitive models of bulimia nervosa have stressed the importance of self-beliefs in the maintenance of the disorder. However, new findings show a deeper and more general level of beliefs also to play a role in eating disorders. These beliefs are long-standing, absolute, and unconditional. In the present study, the relations between such core beliefs and specific cognitions regarding eating, shape, and weight were examined. The sample consisted of 75 bulimic outpatients who started treatment. The patients completed the Schema Questionnaire, the Eating Disorders Inventory-2, the SCL-90-R, and the Mizes Anorectic Cognitions Questionnaire at intake. Strong relations between some core beliefs and the specific cognitions regarding shape, weight, and eating were found. The modification of core beliefs appears to be a very important issue to incorporate into treatment.