Associations between the Anxiety Sensitivity Index-3 subscales and eating pathology

While prior research has found links between anxiety sensitivity (AS) and eating disorder (ED) symptoms, there has been limited research exploring how specific aspects of AS are related to specific dimensions of eating pathology. To inform candidate targets of specific aspects of AS in future interventions, the current study identified associations between AS and ED constructs in a sample of individuals with elevated eating pathology.

N = 382 undergraduate students (89.3% White, 2.6% Hispanic/Latine) with elevated eating pathology completed surveys as part of a larger study. Participants completed the Anxiety Sensitivity Index-3 (ASI-3 subscales: Physical, Cognitive, and Social Concerns) and Eating Pathology Symptoms Inventory (EPSI).

Separate Bonferroni-corrected regression models were run for each EPSI subscale with covariates (age, BMI, and sex) included in step 1 and ASI-3 subscales in step 2. ASI Social was associated with EPSI Body Dissatisfaction (p < .001), and ASI Cognitive was significantly associated with Binge Eating, Purging, and Muscle Building (ps < .006), above and beyond other ASI subscales.

Results support that different aspects of AS are associated with different ED symptoms. Future research should explore these constructs longitudinally to inform potential targets for intervention.