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Appraisal and coping strategies in stressful situations: A comparison of individuals who binge eat and controls
Author(s) -
Hansel Stephanie L.,
Wittrock David A.
Publication year - 1997
Publication title -
international journal of eating disorders
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.785
H-Index - 138
eISSN - 1098-108X
pISSN - 0276-3478
DOI - 10.1002/(sici)1098-108x(199701)21:1<89::aid-eat11>3.0.co;2-j
Subject(s) - stressor , psychology , coping (psychology) , clinical psychology , binge eating , interpersonal communication , stress management , coping behavior , binge drinking , eating disorders , social psychology , human factors and ergonomics , poison control , medicine , environmental health
Objective The objective of this study was to investigate whether individuals who engage in binge eating appraise and cope with stressful situations in a different manner than people who do not regularly binge eat. Method: Female undergraduates participated in a two‐part study. The laboratory portion of the study involved participation in two tasks: an interpersonal stressor and an academic stressor. In the second portion of the study, participants completed a daily stress inventory for 1 week. Results: Individuals in the binge group appraised both the laboratory and natural environment stressors as more stressful than did the controls. Differences were evident in the amount an type of coping strategies used between eating groups. The binge group reported using more positive coping strategies and more catastrophizing in both settings. Discussion: Together, the results suggest that appraisal and coping or stress management components may be useful in treatment packages for individuals who binge eat. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.