The aversiveness of specific emotional states associated with binge-eating in obese subjects.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to examine the hypothesis that non-purge-related binge-eating in obesity is maintained by a 'trade-off' in which a highly aversive emotional state is exchanged for a less aversive state.


METHODS
Ninety-eight obese binge-eaters meeting the DSM-IV criteria for binge-eating disorder were contrasted with 65 non-binge-eating controls on their perceived distress associated with negative mood states usually experienced before and after binges.


RESULTS
Binge-eaters reported significantly greater distress and lower tolerance of negative mood compared to controls. Furthermore, when compared with controls, binge-eaters reported that emotions typically reported before binges (e.g. anger) were more aversive than those reported after (e.g. guilt).


CONCLUSIONS
These results were interpreted as supporting the 'trade-off' theory and have implications for the treatment of binge-eating disorder.
Kenardy
J
J
Department of Psychology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
Arnow
B
B
Agras
W S
WS
D000328:Adult; D015992:Body Mass Index; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D019964:Mood Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D009765:Obesity / Q000523:psychology*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index