Affective style and eating disorders: a field study

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Clinical Psychology
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Eating disorders (ED) encompass a range of behaviors including restraint and overeating.
• Individual differences in affective reactivity and mood (affective style) may influence these behaviors.
• Variations in affective style are linked to differing sensitivities in approach and avoidance motivational systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between eating disorders and variations in motivational system sensitivity.
• To explore the connection between eating disorders and mood dispositions.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the Eating Disorder Diagnostic Scale (EDDS) to assess eating disorder status.
• Employed the Behavioural Inhibition System and Behavioural Activation System Scales (BIS/BAS) to measure motivational system sensitivity.
• Administered the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) to assess mood states.
• Collected data from 2020 undergraduate students.

Main Results:

• A significant interaction was found between Alimentary group and Motivation (F=4.056; p<0.007).
• The Overeating group exhibited lower motivation asymmetry compared to Normal (p<0.01) and Restrictive (p<0.005) groups.
• The avoidance/inhibition motivational system appears linked to overeating and chronic dietary restraint.

Conclusions:

• Findings suggest a connection between the avoidance motivational system and overeating behaviors.
• The study highlights the role of motivational system sensitivity in understanding eating disorders.
• Theoretical and clinical implications for eating disorder treatment are discussed.