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  • Behavioral inhibition moderates the association between overvaluation of shape and weight and noncompensatory purging in eating disorders
Title: Behavioral inhibition moderates the association between overvaluation of shape and weight and noncompensatory purging in eating disorders
Abstract Objective

The cognitive‐behavioral therapy (CBT) model of eating disorders suggests that compensatory purging behaviors (e.g., self‐induced vomiting, inappropriate laxative use) are primarily driven by binge eating. However, many individuals endorse purging in the absence of binge eating (i.e., noncompensatory purging [NCP]). Research is needed to understand why some individuals purge in the absence of objective or subjective binge‐eating episodes.

 Method

Given the importance of overvaluation of shape/weight in the CBT model, and the existing evidence linking temperamental characteristics like behavioral inhibition (i.e., the tendency to withdraw in response to threat cues) with purging in general, we tested whether behavioral inhibition moderated the relationship between overvaluation of shape/weight and NCP in a sample of individuals in a residential eating disorder treatment center (N= 143).

 Results

Overvaluation was more strongly related to NCP in individuals with high (relative to low) levels of behavioral inhibition. Among individuals low in behavioral inhibition, overvaluation predicted engagement in NCP to a much weaker extent.

 Discussion

For those high (relative to low) in behavioral inhibition, both emotional avoidance and overvaluation may be important targets in the treatment of NCP, particularly in the absence of binge eating.

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NSF-PAR ID:
10458538
Author(s) / Creator(s):
 ;  ;  ;  ;  ;  ;  ;  ;  
Publisher / Repository:
Wiley Blackwell (John Wiley & Sons)
Date Published:
Journal Name:
International Journal of Eating Disorders
Volume:
53
Issue:
1
ISSN:
0276-3478
Page Range / eLocation ID:
p. 143-148
Format(s):
Medium: X
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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