Rigid Thinking Fuels Both Eating Disorders and PTSD

Imagine standing in front of a tree, so close that all you can see is the texture of its bark. You cannot take a step back, cannot see the branches above or the forest around you—just this one tree, filling your entire field of vision. For many individuals with a history of trauma as well as those with eating disorders, this is how the mind operates: hyper-focused, rigid, and unable to see beyond the immediate moment. Cognitive rigidity—the tendency to think in strict, all-or-nothing terms—is a well-documented phenomenon in these populations.

The Brain's Response to Trauma and Distress

Research suggests that when an individual experiences prolonged uncertainty or distress, the brain may adapt by seeking structure and predictability as a means of self-preservation. This rigidity in thinking often manifests as black-and-white beliefs about food, weight, and body image, reinforcing an intense fear of change. Actions often follow suit, and rigid behaviors such as calorie counting, compulsive weighing, and eating at specific times emerge as extensions of rigid thinking.

Rigid thinking can function as a survival mechanism. Following the experience of trauma, a sense of control can equate to safety. Thoughts such as “If everything is done perfectly, nothing bad will happen” or “If I only eat this precise number of calories, my body will not change” provide an illusion of stability. These cognitive patterns, while initially adaptive, can become maladaptive over time, contributing to cycles of avoidance, restriction, and anxiety. What once served as a protective strategy may ultimately become a source of distress and dysregulation.

The impact of cognitive rigidity is particularly evident in eating disorders, where nearly half of individuals seeking treatment also report a history of trauma exposure. Trauma-informed thinking is often oriented toward seeking certainty, and eating disorders can provide a framework that reinforces perceived control—specific rules dictate what to eat, when to exercise, and how much to weigh.

However, adherence to these inflexible rules is rarely sustainable. When inevitable deviations occur, such as consuming an unplanned snack or missing a scheduled workout, distress, self-criticism, and feelings of failure often follow. The inability to integrate nuance into these thought patterns further complicates recovery, as self-worth becomes contingent upon complete adherence to self-imposed standards.

Cultivating Cognitive Flexibility

Developing cognitive flexibility—the ability to adapt to changing circumstances and consider multiple perspectives—is an essential component of recovery from both eating disorders and PTSD. Studies indicate that cognitive flexibility can be cultivated through interventions such as cognitive-based therapies and mindfulness approaches.

Recognizing thoughts as mental constructs rather than objective truths is an important first step. Instead of accepting “I have failed” as an indisputable fact, individuals can begin by asking, “What are the alternative ways to interpret this situation?”

Gradually incorporating flexibility into daily routines—such as varying meal choices, allowing for rest without guilt, or challenging food rules—may be initially uncomfortable but can foster greater adaptability in both thinking and behavior.

Ultimately, recovery from PTSD and an eating disorder is not about replacing one rigid framework with another, but rather about fostering adaptability and self-trust. Research underscores that true psychological resilience emerges not from control but from the capacity to tolerate uncertainty and engage with life in a more flexible, nuanced way.

Stepping back from a tree allows us to see the vastness of the forest. Similarly, recovery invites individuals to widen their perspective—to recognize that they are not defined by isolated struggles but by the full, complex landscape of their experiences.