Which cognitive distortion might someone diagnosed with anorexia nervosa experience?

Individuals diagnosed with anorexia nervosa often exhibit cognitive distortions that reflect rigid, unhealthy beliefs about body image, weight, and self-worth. The statement "I can only be happy at a certain size" encapsulates a common cognitive distortion known as "all-or-nothing thinking." This type of thinking involves setting unrealistic standards for oneself, leading to feelings of failure when those standards are not met.

In the context of anorexia nervosa, this belief can cause individuals to equate their happiness and self-acceptance solely with achieving a particular body size. Such a condition may lead them to engage in extreme dieting and unhealthy behaviors in pursuit of that size, believing that reaching it will solve their emotional or psychological struggles. This belief can reinforce the disorder by creating an endless cycle of dieting, a distorted relationship with food, and low self-esteem related to their body image.

Understanding this cognitive distortion is crucial in treatment, as addressing these thoughts can help individuals reframe their perceptions about body image and self-worth, ultimately contributing to recovery.