Recent studies indicate that mental disorders may stem not only from primary cognitions (e.g., negative thoughts) but also from metacognitive processes, such as the confidence individuals place in their thoughts. This research examines the applicability of Self-Validation Theory (SVT)—a metacognitive model of attitude formation—in the context of anorexia nervosa. A pre-registered study was conducted with 40 patients diagnosed with anorexia nervosa using SCID-5 criteria. The protocol was approved by the ethics committees of the Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha and the General University Hospital of Ciudad Real (Spain). Participants were first instructed to generate either positive or negative thoughts about their self. After this thought-direction induction, their confidence in these thoughts was assessed. Finally, self-concept was measured using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. As hypothesized, thought confidence moderated the impact of thought valence on self-concept. The effect of the direction of self-relevant thoughts on attitudes increased with confidence. As a consequence, when participants generated negative thoughts—reflecting a spontaneous thinking style—greater confidence led to a more negative self-concept. However, when participants generated positive thoughts, greater confidence resulted in a more positive self-concept. These findings highlight the critical role of metacognitive validation in shaping self-perceptions in eating disorders and suggest promising avenues for therapeutic interventions that target thought confidence rather than thought content alone.

Authors:
Miriam Bajo, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Spain
Dario Diaz, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Spain
Ricardo Garcia-Marquez, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Spain

About the Presenter(s)
Miriam Bajo Romero is an Associate Professor of Psychology at the Ciudad Real Medical School (Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Spain). Her research focuses on well-being, quality of life, and health communication.

Connect on ResearchGate
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Miriam-Bajo

See this presentation on the full schedule – Tuesday Schedule

Bookmark