Restrained eating among adolescents: dieters are not always bingers and bingers are not always dieters.
This study examined individual differences in the relationships among 3 constructs relevant to restrained eating theory-cognitive restraint (dieting), disinhibition (binging), and hunger. Participants were 421 adolescents (158 male, 255 female, and 8 not indicated). Comparisons among subgroups based on scores on the 3 constructs indicated that there were (a) 2 types of frequent dieters-those who follow theoretical predictions and become disinhibited and those who maintain their restraint; (b) 2 types of bingers-those who engage in dieting-induced binging and those who are hungry and disinhibited; and (c) 2 types of low-hunger eaters-those who suppress their hunger and those who eat before they experience much hunger. Implications of the results for restrained eating theory are discussed.
Williams
S S
SS
Department of Psychology, State University of New York College at Buffalo 14222, USA. williass@snybufaa.cs.snybuf.edu
Michela
J L
JL
Contento
I R
IR
Gladis
M M
MM
Pierce
N T
NT
D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D000328:Adult; D000855:Anorexia / Q000523:psychology; D002032:Bulimia / Q000523:psychology; D002648:Child; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000209:etiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006815:Hunger; D007206:Individuality; D008297:Male; D011582:Psychological Theory