Extending the scope of the interpersonal psychotherapy model of eating disorders: Integrating the role of 'feeling fat'

This study examined whether interpersonal problems positively related to ED symptoms via negative affect and 'feeling fat' in 190 undergraduate women (mean age [SD] = 19.05 (1.23); mean BMI [SD] = 21.76 [3.17]; 72.8% Caucasian). Using both cross-sectional and longitudinal path analyses, we tested the indirect effects of ostracism and peer victimization on binge eating and restricting via negative affect and 'feeling fat' using serial indirect effects analyses. Cross-sectional path analysis revealed significant indirect effects of ostracism on both binge eating and restricting sequentially via negative affect and 'feeling fat', such that ostracism related to negative affect, which related to 'feeling fat', which was ultimately associated with disordered eating behaviours. Longitudinal path analysis replicated the significant indirect effects of ostracism on binge eating sequentially via negative affect and 'feeling fat'. Results suggest that individuals may displace negative feelings that result from ostracism onto their body, triggering 'feelings of fatness' and prompting ED symptoms. Future research should examine 'feeling fat' within the IPT-ED in a sample of individuals with EDs to determine its clinical utility beyond an undergraduate sample.PMID:34090943 | DOI:10.1016/j.appet.2021.105441
Source: Appetite - Category: Nutrition Authors: Source Type: research