Psychological inflexibility and symptom expression in anorexia nervosa

Eat Disord. 2011 Jan-Feb;19(1):62-82. doi: 10.1080/10640266.2011.533606.

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to outline a model of anorexia nervosa (AN) as a disorder of psychological inflexibility, motivated by an insatiable desire for prediction and control with related intolerance for uncertainty. We describe preliminary data that provide initial support for this conceptualization and point to the ways in which mindfulness and acceptance-based strategies might be particularly useful for treating AN. This article is not intended to be an exhaustive literature review, rather a conceptual framework to guide future research and treatment development.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Anorexia Nervosa / psychology*
  • Anorexia Nervosa / therapy
  • Humans
  • Hunger
  • Internal-External Control
  • Models, Psychological*
  • Personal Satisfaction
  • Self Concept