A model of self-criticism as a transdiagnostic mechanism of eating disorder comorbidity: A review

Abstract

Eating disorders (EDs) are serious mental illnesses that are highly comorbid with depressive and anxiety disorders. However, the underlying psychological mechanisms of this comorbidity are not yet clearly delineated. One such mechanism is self-criticism (i.e., harsh and overly critical self-evaluation). In this review, we summarize the literature investigating self-criticism as a transdiagnostic maintenance factor of EDs, depression, and anxiety to formulate a theoretical model of self-criticism as a transdiagnostic mechanism of comorbid EDs, depression, and anxiety. We also point to potential limitations of the current literature and outline future research directions needed to investigate and refine the proposed theoretical model. Future research investigating self-criticism as a transdiagnostic mechanism of psychiatric comorbidity among the EDs may lead to the development an evidence-based model of self-criticism as a transdiagnostic mechanism of psychiatric comorbidity and transdiagnostic treatment protocols that simultaneously improve outcomes for multiple psychiatric conditions.