Binge Eating Disorder: Relationship to Physical and Emotional Factors

Abstract

Binge eating disorder (BED) is a new core diagnosis within the Diagnostic Statistical Manual Fifth Edition (DSM-5; APA, 2013). Because binge eating disorder is a new diagnosis, research within this area is both lacking and developing quickly. Social physique anxiety and emotion regulation have been linked previously to binge eating disorder. In contrast, there is little research on the potential link between physical activity and binge eating disorder; however, physical activity has been shown to have potential treatment benefits for binge eating. This study examined BED on a continuum and its links to physical activity, emotion regulation, and subtypes of social anxiety. There was not a significant correlation between binge eating behaviors and physical activity, but binge eating was correlated positively with body mass index (BMI). In addition, binge eating was associated with all three subtypes of anxiety (social physique, appearance, and exercise anxiety) along with emotion difficulties.

Date of Award	2018
Original language	American English
Awarding Institution	Eastern Illinois University
Supervisor	Wesley Allan (Supervisor)