Attachment anxiety is associated with a fear of becoming fat, which is mediated by binge eating

Previous work demonstrated that individuals with higher levels of attachment anxiety are prone to increased binge eating (Alexander & Siegel, 2013). Given that our society rejects obese individuals and individuals with higher levels of attachment anxiety tend to be highly sensitive to rejection (Downey & Feldman, 1996), it follows that those with increased attachment anxiety may be especially fearful of becoming fat.

Undergraduate psychology students (n = 148) completed surveys measuring attachment, binge eating, and fear of becoming fat.

The data demonstrate that attachment anxiety is positively associated with a fear of becoming fat (β = .30, p < .001) and binge eating mediates this relationship. In other words, binge eating underlies the fear of becoming fat.

These findings contribute to a more refined understanding of binge eating which may create pathways for professionals to develop targeted interventions.