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- Title
Testing the role of associative learning in evidence‐based treatments for anorexia nervosa.
- Authors
Reilly, Erin E.; Wierenga, Christina E.; Le Grange, Daniel
- Abstract
Treatments for anorexia nervosa (AN) remain ineffective for many patients. Processes that can account for differential treatment outcomes remain mostly unknown. We propose that the field test the role of associative learning in current psychological treatments. We hold that this line of research could yield actionable information for understanding non‐response and improving long‐term outcomes. To make this argument, we define associative learning and outline its proposed role in understanding psychiatric disorders and their treatment. We then briefly review data exploring associative learning in AN. We argue that associative learning processes are implicitly implicated in existing treatments; by this rationale, baseline differences in learning may interfere with treatment response. Finally, we outline future research to test our hypotheses. Altogether, future research aimed at better understanding how associative learning may contribute to AN symptom persistence has the potential to inform novel directions in intervention research. Public Significance: There is a pressing need to improve outcomes in treatments for anorexia nervosa (AN). We propose that individual differences in associative learning—the ability to form and update associations between cues, contexts, behaviors, and outcomes—may account for differential response to existing treatments. Undertaking this research could provide an understanding of how current treatments work and inform new approaches for those who may be at risk of poor outcomes.
- Subjects
ANOREXIA nervosa treatment; CONDITIONED response; PROMPTS (Psychology); MENTAL illness; TREATMENT effectiveness; PSYCHOLOGICAL adaptation; BEHAVIOR; EATING disorders; FOOD habits; LEARNING strategies; BEHAVIOR therapy; COGNITION
- Publication
International Journal of Eating Disorders, 2024, Vol 57, Issue 5, p1088
- ISSN
0276-3478
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1002/eat.24161