Mechanisms of influence of body checking on binge eating

International Journal of Clinical and Health Psychology November 11, 2014 Mechanisms of influence of body checking on binge eating ( Articles not published yet, but available online Article in press About articles in press (opens in a new window) ) Dakanalis, A.a , Carrà, G.b, Timko, A.c, Volpato, C.d, Pla-Sanjuanelo, J.e, Zanetti, A.a, Clerici, M.d, Riva, G.f a University of Pavia, Italy b University College of London, United Kingdom c Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, USA d University of Milano-Bicocca, Italy e Universidad de Barcelona, Barcelona f Catholic University of Milan and Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Italy View additional affiliations Abstract Despite the theorized role of body checking behaviours in the maintenance process of binge eating, the mechanisms by which they may impact binge eating remain unclear. Using objectification model of eating pathology as a theoretical framework, the authors examined the potential intervening roles of body shame, appearance anxiety, and dietary restraint in the pathway between body checking and binge eating. Data collected from a large sample of treatment-seeking people with Bulimic-type Eating Disorders (N = 801) were analysed trough structural equation modelling. Results showed that, regardless of specific DSM-5 diagnostic categories, body checking behaviours were indirectly associated with binge eating and dietary restraint through body shame and appearance anxiety, whereas dietary restraint was directly linked to binge eating. The findings have clinical utility as they contribute to gaining insight into how critical scrutiny of one's body may act in several indirect ways to affect binge eating. We discuss practical implications of the findings.