Cognitive theory as applied to anorexia: distortions and irrational beliefs
Cognitive theory argues that people with anorexia nervosa hold distorted, faulty thoughts about their body and food. These irrational beliefs drive their harmful eating behaviour.
Real World
Gymnast Nadia Comaneci, despite being at a dangerously low weight during her competitive career, reported seeing herself as fat — a classic body image distortion consistent with cognitive theory's account of anorexia.
Exam Focus
For 'explain' questions, name the specific distortion (e.g. body image distortion) and link it explicitly to maintaining the disorder.
Evaluation Scaffold
A four-step framework for high-quality evaluation. Use this for 'assess', 'evaluate', and 'to what extent' questions.
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