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Associations between the Anxiety Sensitivity Index-3 subscales and eating pathology
Rylee Lusich1, K Jean Forney2, Helen Burton-Murray3,4
1Department of Psychological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA.
Eating Disorders
|March 14, 2025
Summary
This study found that specific aspects of anxiety sensitivity (AS) are linked to distinct eating disorder (ED) symptoms, including body dissatisfaction, binge eating, and purging. These findings may inform targeted interventions for EDs.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Eating Disorder Research
Background:
- Anxiety sensitivity (AS) is linked to eating disorder (ED) symptoms.
- Limited research exists on how specific AS aspects relate to specific ED dimensions.
Purpose of the Study:
- Identify associations between AS and ED constructs in individuals with elevated eating pathology.
- Inform potential intervention targets for specific AS aspects.
Main Methods:
- 382 undergraduate students with elevated eating pathology completed the Anxiety Sensitivity Index-3 (ASI-3) and Eating Pathology Symptoms Inventory (EPSI).
- Regression models examined associations between ASI-3 subscales (Physical, Cognitive, Social Concerns) and EPSI subscales.
Main Results:
- ASI Social Concerns were associated with Body Dissatisfaction (p < .001).
- ASI Cognitive Concerns were associated with Binge Eating, Purging, and Muscle Building (p < .006).
- These associations remained significant after controlling for covariates and other ASI subscales.
Conclusions:
- Different aspects of AS are differentially associated with specific ED symptoms.
- Future longitudinal research is needed to explore these relationships and inform intervention development.
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