Using the acquired preparedness model to explore the role of eating expectancies and impulsivity in binge eating

Eat Disord. 2022 May-Jun;30(3):345-354. doi: 10.1080/10640266.2021.1924924. Epub 2021 Aug 12.

Abstract

The acquired preparedness (AP) model of eating disorder (ED) risk suggests transaction between impulsive traits and eating expectancies, though there remains a lack of research investigating distinct facets of impulsivity within this framework. This study examined how different facets of impulsivity moderate associations between eating expectancies and binge-eating severity in daily life. Women with binge-eating symptoms (N = 40) completed surveys followed by 10 days of ecological momentary assessment (EMA). Generalized estimating equations examined the independent and interactive effects of impulsivity facets and eating expectancies on EMA-measured binge-eating severity. Significant interactions were found between eating expectancies and emotional and behavioral impulsivity, but not a cognitive facet. Results suggest that among women high in emotional impulsivity, those with greater eating expectancies report higher binge-eating severity. Conversely, among those with lower behavioral impulsivity, those with lower eating expectancies report lower binge-eating severity. Future prospective work is needed with non-clinical samples.

MeSH terms

  • Binge-Eating Disorder* / psychology
  • Bulimia* / psychology
  • Ecological Momentary Assessment
  • Emotions
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Impulsive Behavior