Binge eating and impulsivity : the use of a delay discounting procedure to elucidate the relationship

Abstract

Lacey and Evans' (1986) Multi-Impulsivist Theory suggests that impulsivity is a key factor underlying the propensity to binge eat, and it may be equally or more closely associated with the core features of binge eating psychopathology such as negative affect and cognitive restraint. Theoretical perspectives are discussed and the literature review examines the relationship between binge eating and impulsivity by discussing the co-morbid symptomatologies mat exist between binge eating and other impulse dysregulated disorders. A specific focus addresses the multi-dimensional nature of impulsivity and its inherent methodological and theoretical considerations. The literature review suggests that the use of a behavioural delay discounting procedure to measure impulsivity would elucidate the relationship between binge eating and impulsivity. The empirical study used a behavioural delay-discounting task to measure levels of impulsivity in a group of binge eaters and a group of controls. It also investigated the utility of using a delay discounting procedure to understand the 'loss of control' phenomenon in binge eating behaviour. In line with previous research, both self-report and delay-discounting measures evidenced significantly higher levels of impulsivity in binge-eaters, although a lack of correlations between behavioural and self-report measures were identified. The study provides preliminary evidence suggesting that the delay-discounting model may be a useful utility to predict the 'loss of control' phenomenon inherent in binge eaters, although future research is required to consolidate and support this utility. These findings have implications for clinical interventions, which may lead to the development of more effective treatments.

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