Perfectionism in patients with eating disorders: The role of metacognitive beliefs and repetitive negative thinking

Abstract

IntroductionUsing the Self‐Regulatory Executive Function model as a basis, this study explored whether, in patients with eating disorders (EDs), metacognitions and repetitive negative thinking are associated with higher levels of perfectionisms.MethodsOne hundred twenty‐three outpatients with EDs were recruited. Perfectionism, metacognitive beliefs, worry, rumination, anger rumination, affective and eating symptoms were assessed. Correlation and hierarchal regression analyses were run.ResultsHigher endorsement of positive beliefs about worry was associated with higher levels of ‘personal standards perfectionism’. Higher endorsement of positive beliefs about worry, need to control thoughts, worry and rumination was associated with higher levels of ‘concern over mistakes perfectionism’.ConclusionsAmong patients with EDs, perfectionism appears to be associated with the endorsement of dysfunctional metacognitive beliefs, worry and rumination. Dysfunctional metacognitive beliefs and repetitive negative thinking could be suitable therapeutic targets to reduce the levels of perfectionism among patients with EDs.

Stress, repetitive negative thinking, and mental health in Chilean university students: an ecological momentary assessment study

“…Repetitive negative thinking is a cognitive process characterized by recurrent thoughts and self-focused attention in the face of negative events, whose effects can be adaptive or maladaptive ( Cova et al, 2019 ; Lawrence et al, 2021 ); the most well-known repetitive thinking is the maladaptive one, usually referred to as RNT, that includes negative rumination, and worry, while on the adaptive side is reflection ( Nolen-Hoeksema and Watkins, 2011 ; Cova et al, 2019 ; Lawrence et al, 2021 ). Although repetitive negative thinking is employed as a strategy for self-regulation and modulating own affective experiences, it may be counterproductive, and it has been associated with affective disorders ( Ferrer et al, 2018 ; Spinhoven et al, 2018 ), eating disorders ( Palmieri et al, 2021 ), increased vulnerability to stress-related disorders in those exposed to childhood adversities ( Mansueto et al, 2021 ), difficulties in emotion regulation ( Mansueto et al, 2022 , 2024 ; Palmieri et al, 2023 ), perfectionism ( Kummer et al, 2024 ; Palmieri et al, 2024 ) and shyness ( Palmieri et al, 2018 ).…”