Introduction & Theoretical Background
Noting common processes underpinning the maintenance of anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and other related conditions, Fairburn, Cooper & Shafran (2003) proposed a transdiagnostic cognitive behavioural model of eating disorders. They identify a dysfunctional system for evaluating self-worth as central to the model: individuals with eating disorders evaluate themselves according to a relatively narrow range of domains including their eating habits, shape and weight, and their ability to control them. In addition to this core dysfunction they identify four additional mechanisms which, in some cases, act to maintain an individual’s difficulties. These additional maintenance processes include:
- Clinical perfectionism
- Core low self-esteem (persistent and pervasive negative self-beliefs that are viewed as part of the individual’s self-identity)
- Mood intolerance (difficulty coping with strong mood states)
- Interpersonal difficulties