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.

METHOD

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.