Cognitive biases in an experimental task of focalized selective attention in eating disorders

Abstract

Introduction. Cognitive processing differences based on attentional biases of words pertaining to eating disorders were investigated. We performed a computerized Stroop color-naming task in which the subjects named the colors of four word groups (food-related, eating disorders behaviours-related, emotional and neutral) to measure differences in the processing of these stimuli.

Method. Participants were 144 females with eating disorders (anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or a combination of both) and 172 female controls.

Results. In agreement with predictions, the three eating disorder groups were significantly slower than the controls in identifying the color of all word groups.

Conclusions. These findings indicate the existence of biases in stimuli processing related with eating behavior disorders.