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Loss of Control Eating in Adults With Impulsive and/or Inattentive Tendencies
Laura Christie1, James H Smith-Spark1, Rachel D Teodorini1
1Division of Psychology, London South Bank University, London, UK.
Brain and Behavior
|October 8, 2024
Summary
Inattentive and impulsive tendencies are linked to loss of control (LOC) eating, even when accounting for disordered eating (ED). Inattentive traits show a stronger association with LOC than impulsive traits.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Eating Behavior Research
Background:
- Loss of control (LOC) eating is a key feature of disordered eating (ED), but also considered a distinct dysregulated eating behavior.
- Impulsive and inattentive tendencies often co-occur with LOC eating.
- Previous research often viewed these tendencies as symptoms of broader psychological issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between inattentive and impulsive tendencies and LOC eating in adults.
- To examine these associations while controlling for existing disordered eating behaviors.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional online survey was administered to 516 adults.
- Participants reported on their inattentive tendencies, impulsive tendencies, LOC eating, and disordered eating behaviors.
Main Results:
- Hierarchical multiple linear regression indicated that disordered eating, inattentive, and impulsive symptoms independently predicted LOC eating.
- Inattentive tendencies demonstrated a stronger significant association with LOC eating compared to impulsive tendencies.
Conclusions:
- Inattentive and impulsive tendencies are significantly associated with LOC eating in adults, independent of disordered eating diagnoses.
- Findings highlight the importance of addressing inattentive traits in interventions for LOC eating.
- Further research is warranted to explore treatment feasibility for this co-occurrence.
Keywords:
adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)disordered eatingimpulsiveinattentiveloss of control eatingMore Related Videos
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