Elin Lantz Lesser1, Kathryn E Smith2, Timothy J Strauman3, Ross D Crosby4,5, Scott G Engel4,5, Scott J Crow6,7, Carol B Peterson6,7, Stephen A Wonderlich4,5. 1. Psychology Department, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA. elinlantzlesser@gmail.com. 2. Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA. 3. Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA. 4. Center for Bio-Behavioral Research, Sanford Research, Fargo, ND, USA. 5. Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Fargo, ND, USA. 6. Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA. 7. The Emily Program, Saint Paul, MN, USA.
Abstract
PURPOSE: Self-discrepancy (i.e., perceived differences between one's actual self and personal standards) has been associated with binge eating disorder (BED) symptoms. However, little is known about how weight discrepancy (i.e., the difference between one's actual and ideal weights) interacts with or is distinguished from nonappearance self-discrepancy (discrepancy unrelated to weight or shape) in predicting BED severity. The current study examined how these two forms of discrepancy independently and interactively relate to BED and associated symptoms to elucidate how facets of self-discrepancy may operate to precipitate and maintain BED. METHODS: Adults with BED (N = 111) completed questionnaires and interviews prior to treatment that assessed self-discrepancy (computerized selves) and weight discrepancy (assessed during the Eating Disorder Examination [EDE]) as predictors of global eating disorder (ED) symptomatology (EDE Global score), depression (Beck Depression Inventory), anxiety (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory), self-esteem (Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale), and ED-related impairment (Clinical Impairment Assessment). RESULTS: Multivariate regression models indicated nonappearance self-discrepancy and weight discrepancy were not significantly related to the severity of global ED symptoms, but both independently predicted impairment (ps < 0.05). Nonappearance self-discrepancy, but not weight discrepancy, was also associated with higher depression (p = 0.001), anxiety (p < 0.001), and lower self-esteem (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: These findings suggest distinct associations of weight discrepancy and nonappearance self-discrepancy with ED and related symptoms, as well as each of these constructs' relevance to everyday functioning in BED. The results also highlight potential avenues for future research to examine mechanistic pathways by which self-discrepancy influences BED severity. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: V, descriptive cross-sectional study.
PURPOSE: Self-discrepancy (i.e., perceived differences between one's actual self and personal standards) has been associated with binge eating disorder (BED) symptoms. However, little is known about how weight discrepancy (i.e., the difference between one's actual and ideal weights) interacts with or is distinguished from nonappearance self-discrepancy (discrepancy unrelated to weight or shape) in predicting BED severity. The current study examined how these two forms of discrepancy independently and interactively relate to BED and associated symptoms to elucidate how facets of self-discrepancy may operate to precipitate and maintain BED. METHODS: Adults with BED (N = 111) completed questionnaires and interviews prior to treatment that assessed self-discrepancy (computerized selves) and weight discrepancy (assessed during the Eating Disorder Examination [EDE]) as predictors of global eating disorder (ED) symptomatology (EDE Global score), depression (Beck Depression Inventory), anxiety (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory), self-esteem (Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale), and ED-related impairment (Clinical Impairment Assessment). RESULTS: Multivariate regression models indicated nonappearance self-discrepancy and weight discrepancy were not significantly related to the severity of global ED symptoms, but both independently predicted impairment (ps < 0.05). Nonappearance self-discrepancy, but not weight discrepancy, was also associated with higher depression (p = 0.001), anxiety (p < 0.001), and lower self-esteem (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: These findings suggest distinct associations of weight discrepancy and nonappearance self-discrepancy with ED and related symptoms, as well as each of these constructs' relevance to everyday functioning in BED. The results also highlight potential avenues for future research to examine mechanistic pathways by which self-discrepancy influences BED severity. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: V, descriptive cross-sectional study.
Authors: Stephen A Wonderlich; Scott G Engel; Carol B Peterson; Michael D Robinson; Ross D Crosby; James E Mitchell; Tracey L Smith; Marjorie H Klein; Christianne M Lysne; Scott J Crow; Timothy J Strauman; Heather K Simonich Journal: Int J Eat Disord Date: 2008-12 Impact factor: 4.861
Authors: S A Wonderlich; C B Peterson; R D Crosby; T L Smith; M H Klein; J E Mitchell; S J Crow Journal: Psychol Med Date: 2013-05-23 Impact factor: 7.723