Premium
Impulsivity as an underlying factor in the relationship between disordered eating and sexual behavior
Author(s) -
Culbert Kristen M.,
Klump Kelly L.
Publication year - 2005
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/eat.20188
Subject(s) - impulsivity , psychology , disordered eating , sexual behavior , developmental psychology , eating disorders , clinical psychology
Objective Previous research has reported associations between bulimia nervosa (BN), increased sexual activity, and impulsivity. However, most studies have examined these topics separately and have not examined the role of impulsivity in associations between bulimic and sexual behaviors. The current study sought to examine relationships between disordered eating, sexual behaviors, and impulsivity, as well as to investigate impulsivity as a third variable in these relationships. Method The participants were 500 female undergraduate students from a large midwestern university who completed self‐report questionnaires of binge eating, the use of compensatory behavior, sexual behavior, and impulsivity. Results Compensatory behavior, but not binge eating, was significantly correlated with sexual experiences. Partial correlations indicated that impulsivity is a third variable that partially underlies this relationship. Conclusion Compensatory behaviors and increased sexual activity likely represent risky behaviors that are influenced by impulsivity levels. © 2005 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.