Executive function deficits in daily life among young adults with binge eating symptoms

Recent studies have established a link between binge eating (BE) and certain difficulties in executive function (EF) as measured by performance-based laboratory tests. Ratings of EF deficits in daily life activities that relate to social and personal goals have not yet been studied in relation to BE symptoms in young adults. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between BE symptoms and self-ratings of EF deficits in daily life activities in a non-clinical sample of young adults using Barkley's (2011) model of self-regulatory EF. A second aim was to identify which specific facets of EF impairment in daily life activities were most strongly associated with BE symptoms.

513 young adults completed self-report measures of EF deficits in daily life, BE symptoms, body mass index (BMI), as well as depression, anxiety and stress.

Higher global ratings of self-regulatory EF deficits in daily life were associated with more severe BE symptoms (R² = 0.04). The facets of EF impairment most strongly related to BE were Self-Regulation of Emotions (R² = 0.03) and Self-Restraint (R² = 0.01).

Results suggest that young adults with BE symptoms report EF deficits in self-regulation across time to achieve personal and social goals. This was the first study to use Barkley's (2011) model to examine the relationship between EF and BE symptoms. While effect sizes were small, our findings provide preliminary evidence it may be helpful to address EF deficits among young adults with BE symptoms in prevention and treatment efforts.