Validity of questionnaires for assessing dysfunctional cognitions in bulimia nervosa

Objective: This research investigated the validity of the Bulimic Cognitive Distortion Scale and the Mizes Anorectic Cognitions Questionnaire. The abi lity of theses questionnaires to discriminate among individuals with bulimi a, restrained eaters, and normals was also investigated. Method: Scores on these retrospective self-report questionnaires were compared to cognitions assessed via in vivo thought-sampling. Cognitions of 15 women with bulimia nervosa, 15 restrained eaters, and 15 non-eating disordered women were asse ssed. Results: Results indicated that both the BCDS and the MAC successfull y discriminated among individuals with bulimia, restrained eaters, and norm als, and adequately measured in vivo attitudes and beliefs associated with food and eating, weight and body-image, and low self-efficacy. Discussion: These findings support the continued use of both the BCDS and the MAC. (C) 2000 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.