Presenter(s): Lisa Guerricabeitia
Faculty Mentor(s): Nichole Kelly & Claire Guidinger
Poster 105
Session: Social Sciences & Humanities
Previous research has primarily focused on the behavioral and emotional correlates of loss of control (LOC) eating behaviors—the subjective experience of being unable to control what or how much is being eaten—in women and children. However, there is increasing evidence indicating that these behaviors are prevalent among young men as well. Negative affect, including body dissatisfaction, is a common antecedent to LOC eating in both men and women. Theoretical models suggest that dietary restraint and emotion dysregulation mediate or explain the association between body dissatisfaction and LOC eating. However, these models have not been evaluated in men. The current study will explore possible mediators between body dissatisfaction and LOC eating behaviors in young adult men. An ethnically/racially diverse, nationally representative sample (N = 1114) of young men (ages = 18-30 years) completed a 20- minute online survey to assess body mass index (BMI), emotion dysregulation, excessive exercise, dietary restriction, and LOC eating frequency. We hypothesize that dietary restraint, excessive exercise, and emotional dysregulation will mediate the relationship between body dissatisfaction and LOC eating behaviors in young adult men. BMI and race will also be explored as potential moderators. This exploratory work may aid in identifying similarities and differences between men and women engaging in LOC eating. While men and women may experience similar motivating drives, those drives may manifest in unique behaviors.
Keywords: Loss of control eating, disordered eating, men