Description
TitlePredictors of binge eating
Date Created2010
Other Date2010 (degree)
Extentxi, 145 p. : ill.
DescriptionResearchers have found that binge eating predicts obesity (Picot & Lilenfeld, 2003; Rand, Macgregor & Stunkard, 1997). Although binge eating is understood to be a major health risk, its predictors remain elusive. This study explored relationships between perfectionism, self-efficacy, and distress tolerance and binge eating, and the degree to which these three variables predict binge eating. A cross-sectional correlation design was employed in this study. Participants recruited were female adult binge eaters, 18 years and older, who responded to the online survey. Participants who screened positive for binge eating responded to a series of surveys: the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q 6.0; Fairburn & Beglin, 2008), to measure binge eating; the self-oriented (SOP) and socially-prescribed perfectionism (SPP) subscales of the Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (MPS; Hewitt et al., 1991; Hewitt & Flett, 1991); the Distress Tolerance Scale (DTS; Simons & Gaher, 2005); and the Weight Efficacy Lifestyle Questionnaire (WEL; Clark, et al, 1991), to measure eating self-efficacy. Four relationships were examined in this study: Hypothesis 1) Perfectionism is directly related to binge eating in women who binge eat, was supported in this study. [Perfectionism, as self-oriented perfectionism (SOP; r =.16, p = .04), and socially prescribed perfectionism (SPP; r = .25, p < .01)]; Hypothesis 2) Distress Tolerance is inversely related to binge eating in women who binge eat, was supported in this study (DTS; r = - .20, p <.01); Hypothesis 3) Eating self efficacy is inversely related to binge eating in women who binge eat, was supported in the study (WEL Tot; r = - .52, p <.00); Hypothesis 4) Perfectionism, DT and ESE will predict binge eating in women who binge eat, was only partially supported with ESE as the only predictor in the regression model (B = -.01, β = -.48, t = -.5.93, Adjusted R2= .26, p < .000).
Eating self-efficacy is evidently a robust predictor of binge eating. Further research examining the relationship of perfectionism, eating self-efficacy and binge eating with overconcern about weight is recommended.
NotePh.D.
NoteIncludes abstract
NoteVita
NoteIncludes bibliographical references
Noteby Debra A. Migliore
Genretheses, ETD doctoral
LanguageEnglish
CollectionGraduate School - Newark Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Organization NameRutgers, The State University of New Jersey
RightsThe author owns the copyright to this work.
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