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Anger and bulimic psychopathology among nonclinical women
Author(s) -
Milligan RhondaJane,
Waller Glenn
Publication year - 2000
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 - 10.1002/1098-108x(200012)28:4<446::aid-eat13>3.0.co;2-j
Subject(s) - anger , psychology , psychopathology , clinical psychology , trait , eating disorders , developmental psychology , computer science , programming language
Objective Although there are well‐established links between bulimic psychopathology and some affective states, the role of anger is not clearly understood. This is likely to be a product of the diverse nature of anger. The present study examines the association of different components of anger with bulimic attitudes and behaviors among a nonclinical group of women. Methods Eighty‐three nonclinical women completed standardized measures of anger and bulimic attitudes/behaviors. Results Bulimic attitudes and behaviors were correlated specifically with state anger and anger suppression, rather than with trait anger. The pattern of results suggests that binging and vomiting behaviors may serve different functions with regard to anger. Conclusions Bulimic attitudes and behaviors appear to reduce immediate anger states, particularly when the individual has a strong tendency to avoid expressing that emotion. Potential therapeutic implications are considered. © 2000 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Inc. Int J Eat Disord 28: 446–450, 2000.