Evaluating a Model of Binge Eating in a Clinical Sample, Version 1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Evaluating the Integrated Cognitive Behavioural Model of Binge Eating: A Cross Sectional Study in a Clinical Sample.
IRAS ID
332511
Contact name
Katarzyna Dudka
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Edinburgh
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
The current study will test the integrated cognitive behavioural model of binge eating (Burton & Abbott, 2019) in a sample of people who meet the diagnostic criteria for binge eating-related eating disorder and 'healthy controls'.
Participants will complete an online questionnaire which will take 15 to 20 minutes.
They will be presented with an information page outlining the purpose of the study, and how their data will be collected, stored and used. Following this, the participants will sign a consent form. Once participants sign the consent form, demographic and screening data will be collected. This will include information on the person’s age, gender, ethnicity, and location. It will also establish whether they identify as having a binge eating-related eating disorder, whether they are currently accessing treatment for it, whether they have ever had an eating disorder, and whether they have a current diagnosis or consider themselves to have another mental health problem.Once this is completed, they will proceed with the study which will consist of six questionnaires assessing binge eating behaviour, self-esteem, negative affect, emotional regulation, restrictive eating and eating beliefs. Following completion of the questionnaires, they will be presented with a debriefing sheet explaining the purpose of the study and informing them on how to get in touch with the researcher as required. They will have an opportunity to enter a raffle to win a £50 Amazon voucher by providing their email address.
Participants will be recruited from the general population and clinical services. Two groups of individuals will be recruited: participants who (1) identify with binge eating-related eating disorder and individuals who (2) have never had an eating disorder, and do not have a current diagnosis or consider themselves to have another mental health problem (‘healthy controls’).
Summary of Results
Binge eating can be understood as eating larger than normal amounts of food. Sometimes people confuse binge eating with overeating; however, the difference is that binge eating is associated with loss of control, causes distress and impacts on people’s functioning and general wellbeing. Additionally, it is a characteristic of multiple eating disorders such as binge eating disorder, and bulimia nervosa.Theoretical understanding of factors contributing to binge eating, is important for designing effective treatment programmes. This research evaluated a theoretical model of binge eating – the integrated cognitive behavioural model of binge eating. This model proposed that binge eating is a common factor in multiple eating disorders, therefore can be used regardless of diagnosis. The model states that when people have negative views about themselves, negative emotions will be experienced. As people often find it difficult to manage unpleasant feelings, various strategies will be used to manage these states. It was proposed that to manage negative feelings, some people might have thoughts about eating such as “eating makes me feel better” or “overeating is pleasurable”, whereas others might engage in dieting. Both strategies can result in binge eating. This is the first research study that evaluated the model in a sample of people who met diagnostic criteria for binge eating related eating disorders. Participants were recruited through adverts in the community and in clinical services. Participants completed an online questionnaire to assess the factors outlined in the model. It was found that people’s negative views about themselves, experiencing negative emotions, difficulties with managing these emotions, and associated coping mechanisms such as dieting, and thoughts about eating are successful at predicting binge eating. Therefore, this research has important implications on treatments, and future research. Clinicians should consider factors outlined in the model when working with people with binge eating related eating disorders. In particular, it appears thoughts about eating might be maintaining the problem over time and so clinicians should consider this as an important potential target for treatment. In the future, research should use approaches to allow us to test the factors in the model over a longer period of time. This is to have a better understanding of the impact of these factors on binge eating.
REC name
East Midlands - Derby Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/EM/0004
Date of REC Opinion
31 Jan 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion