Research testing the predictions of cognitive-behavioral theory related to
the psychopathology of eating disorders has lagged behind treatment outcome
research. Central to cognitive theories of eating disorders is the hypothe
sis that beliefs and expectancies pertaining to body size and to eating are
biased in favor of selectively processing information related to fatness/t
hinness, dieting, and control of food intake or body weight. In recent year
s, controlled investigations of the predictions of cognitive theories of ea
ting disorders have yielded empirical support for these theories. This pape
r reviews research which has tested the predictions of cognitive-behavioral
theory and discusses the implications of these findings for the treatment
of eating disorders. Understanding of information processing biases may ass
ist the clinician in understanding a range of psychopathological features o
f anorexia and bulimia nervosa, including denial, resistance to treatment,
and misinterpretation of therapeutic interventions.