Examining the conceptual model of integrative cognitive-affective therapy for BN: Two assessment studies

Objective: Two studies sought to examine predictions of the Integrative Cognitive-Affective Therapy (ICAT) model, which views bulimic symptoms in terms of inter-relations between self-concept discrepancies, negative affect, and self-directed coping styles. The present results examine assessment-related predictions of this model. Method: Individuals with bulimic symptoms were compared to noneating disorder control participants in two studies involving central constructs of the ICAT model. Results: In both studies, bulimic individuals displayed higher levels of self-discrepancy and negative self-directed styles, supporting predictions of the model. Also predicted by the model, negative mood states mediated relations between bulimic status and negative self-directed coping styles in Study 2. Conclusion: Assessment-related predictions of the ICAT model of bulimic symptoms were supported in two studies. These initial results support further tests of the model in longitudinal designs, contrasts of different clinical populations, and treatment-evaluation studies.