Anger and bulimic psychopathology among nonclinical women.
OBJECTIVE
Although there are well-established links between bulimic psychopathology and some affective states, the role of anger is not clearly understood. This is likely to be a product of the diverse nature of anger. The present study examines the association of different components of anger with bulimic attitudes and behaviors among a nonclinical group of women.


METHODS
Eighty-three nonclinical women completed standardized measures of anger and bulimic attitudes/behaviors.


RESULTS
Bulimic attitudes and behaviors were correlated specifically with state anger and anger suppression, rather than with trait anger. The pattern of results suggests that binging and vomiting behaviors may serve different functions with regard to anger.


CONCLUSIONS
Bulimic attitudes and behaviors appear to reduce immediate anger states, particularly when the individual has a strong tendency to avoid expressing that emotion. Potential therapeutic implications are considered.
Milligan
R J
RJ
Department of Psychology, Royal Holloway, University of London, Southampton, United Kingdom. rjm121@hotmail.com
Waller
G
G
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000786:Anger; D002032:Bulimia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007175:Impulsive Behavior / Q000523:psychology; D008875:Middle Aged; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013694:Temperament