Loss of control eating in adolescents: Associations with adaptive and maladaptive emotion regulation strategies.
To examine differences in the use of emotion regulation strategies in adolescents with and without loss of control over eating (LOC).



A community-based sample of 524 adolescents from 12 to 18years old (70.6% girls; Mage=15.08; SD=1.59) reported on LOC and the use of several maladaptive and adaptive emotion regulation strategies.



Adolescents who experience LOC (28%) report more use of maladaptive strategies. With regard to adaptive strategies a significant group X gender interaction effect was found with girls who report LOC using less adaptive strategies. More specifically, based on the FEEL-KJ less problem-oriented action, distraction, humor enhancement, acceptance and cognitive problem solving were observed in girls who report LOC compared to those who do not report LOC. Boys with LOC report more use of adaptive strategies compared to those who do not report LOC.



LOC in adolescents is associated with increased use of maladaptive emotion regulation strategies as well as a decreased use of adaptive strategies although the latter is only specific for girls. These results may inform prevention and treatment of emotion regulation problems in adolescents with LOC.
Henri Dunantlaan 2, Gent, Belgium.
Lien
L
Goossens
Henri Dunantlaan 2, Gent, Belgium.
Eva
E
Van Malderen
Henri Dunantlaan 2, Gent, Belgium.
Kim
K
Van Durme
Henri Dunantlaan 2, Gent, Belgium.
Caroline
C
Braet
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D015992:Body Mass Index; D004644:Emotions; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male
Adolescent; Emotion regulation; Loss of control eating