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Updated: Jul 12, 2026
07:07
Errors as a Means of Reducing Impulsive Food Choice
Published on: June 5, 2016
An evaluation of affect and binge eating.
Cristine M Deaver1, Raymond G Miltenberger, Joshua Smyth
1North Dakota State University, USA.
Behavior Modification
|September 16, 2003
Summary
Binge eating offers temporary relief from negative emotions, supporting the affect regulation model. This study found distinct emotional patterns during binge eating episodes, reinforcing its role in negative reinforcement.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Eating Disorders
Background:
- The affect regulation model posits binge eating alleviates negative affect.
- Understanding the emotional dynamics of binge eating is crucial for treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine affect changes during binge eating episodes.
- To evaluate the validity of the affect regulation model of binge eating.
Main Methods:
- Young adult women (binge eaters and controls) used the affect grid.
- Affect levels were recorded at 2-minute intervals before, during, and after eating episodes.
- Data were collected during binge eating episodes and regular meals for binge eaters, and during meals for controls.
Main Results:
- Binge eaters displayed different affect patterns during binge eating versus normal meals.
- Distinct affect patterns emerged when comparing binge eaters and controls during normal meals.
- These findings support the negative reinforcement aspect of binge eating.
Conclusions:
- Binge eating provides short-term negative affect relief.
- The affect regulation model is supported by the observed emotional changes.
- Binge eating functions as a negatively reinforced behavior.
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