Psychological characteristics of binging and nonbinging obese women.
A representative sample from a nonclinical population was drawn to compare bingers and nonbingers across weight categories. Subjects were 112 women drawn from a cross-section of undergraduate classes at a large state university. Four groups were formed: obese bingers, obese nonbingers, normal-weight bingers (bulimics), and normal-weight nonbingers. Bingers, regardless of weight category, suffered higher levels of depression and anxiety and lower levels of self-esteem than nonbingers, regardless of weight category. Obese nonbingers were indistinguishable on these variables from normal-weight nonbingers, with both groups of nonbingers experiencing less emotional distress. Results support the position that the obese population should be conceptualized and treated as a diverse group with different psychological characteristics and needs.
Webber
E M
EM
Department of Behavioral Sciences, Johnson State College, VT 05656.
D000328:Adult; D001007:Anxiety / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009765:Obesity / Q000523:psychology*; D011581:Psychological Tests; D012649:Self Concept