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This study examined the role of perfectionism (self-oriented and socially prescribed), shape and weight overvaluation, dichotomous thinking, and conditional goal setting in eating disorder psychopathology. Perfectionism and shape and weight overvaluation have had longstanding implication in the development and maintenance of eating disorders. A leading evidence-based theory of eating disorders (Fairburn, Cooper & Shafran, 2003) outlines perfectionism as a maintaining mechanism of eating disorder psychopathology and as a proximal risk factor for the development of shape and weight overvaluation. These constructs have been linked to other cognitive processes relevant to eating disorders, specifically, dichotomous thinking and conditional goal setting. Women with DSM-IV eating disorders (N=238) were compared to women in the general community (N=248) and, as hypothesised, scores on measures of these constructs were pronounced in the clinical sample. Hierarchical regression analyses predicting eating disorder psychopathology showed that for both groups, dichotomous thinking and conditional goal setting significantly improved model fit beyond perfectionism and shape and weight overvaluation alone. Self-oriented perfectionism, but not socially prescribed perfectionism, was relevant to eating disorder psychopathology. We discuss the implications for current treatment protocols and early intervention., (Crown Copyright © 2011. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The aim of this study was to develop and validate a self-report measure of Conditional Goal Setting (CGS) for use among individuals with eating disorders, the Conditional Goal Setting in Eating Disorders Scale (CGS-EDS). The CGS-EDS assesses the degree to which an individual believes that the achievement of happiness is contingent upon the attainment of body shape and weight goals. Women with a DSM-IV diagnosed eating disorder consecutively referred to a specialist outpatient clinic (N=238) completed the CGS-EDS and self-report measures of theoretically related constructs. Exploratory factor analysis indicated a one-factor solution, which accounted for 65% of the variance. The CGS-EDS correlated positively with theoretically related measures of overvaluation of shape and weight, concern with shape and weight, dichotomous thinking, and depression. The alpha reliability of the scale was .92. The CGS-EDS is a valid and reliable measure of CGS in eating disorders and is relevant to cognitive and behavioral models of maintenance and intervention., (Copyright 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The Dichotomous Thinking in Eating Disorders Scale (DTEDS) is a short, self-report measure that can be used to assess the presence of a rigid, "black-and-white" cognitive thinking style. It was originally developed for use in a study of psychological predictors of weight regain in obesity. The DTEDS consists of two subscales. Items on the Eating subscale assess dichotomous thinking with regards to eating, dieting or weight, and items on the General subscale assess dichotomous thinking more generally. This study aimed to examine the factor structure and psychometric properties of the DTEDS in a sample of treatment-seeking eating disordered (N=87) and overweight/obese (N=111) women. Confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated that a two-factor model provided a better fit to the data than a one-factor model. The psychometric properties of the final scale were excellent, with evidence being provided for the reliability and validity of the two subscales. Overall, the results indicated that the DTEDS is a reliable instrument that can be used to assess eating-specific as well as more general aspects of dichotomous thinking.