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Cognitive Theory: Anorexia Nervosa

The cognitive theory of anorexia nervosa focuses on information processing in individuals with anorexia nervosa, and how their thoughts and feelings affect their behaviour. Cognitive theories suggest that those with anorexia nervosa develop faulty schemas during their early years that distort reality. This leads them to develop distortions and irrational beliefs about body image, which they deal with by not eating, in an attempt to lose weight.