Using the acquired preparedness model to explore the role of eating expectancies and impulsivity in binge eating

The acquired preparedness (AP) model of eating disorder (ED) risk suggests transaction between impulsive traits and eating expectancies, though there remains a lack of research investigating distinct facets of impulsivity within this framework. This study examined how different facets of impulsivity moderate associations between eating expectancies and binge-eating severity in daily life. Women with binge-eating symptoms (N = 40) completed surveys followed by 10 days of ecological momentary assessment (EMA). Generalized estimating equations examined the independent and interactive effects of impulsivity facets and eating expectancies on EMA-measured binge-eating severity. Significant interactions were found between eating expectancies and emotional and behavioral impulsivity, but not a cognitive facet. Results suggest that among women high in emotional impulsivity, those with greater eating expectancies report higher binge-eating severity. Conversely, among those with lower behavioral impulsivity, those with lower eating expectancies report lower binge-eating severity. Future prospective work is needed with non-clinical samples.