Are you eating your emotions?: An investigation into perceived stress and trait anxiety as predictors of binge-eating behaviour

Martland, Stephenie (2014) Are you eating your emotions?: An investigation into perceived stress and trait anxiety as predictors of binge-eating behaviour. Manchester Metropolitan University. (Unpublished)

Preview

Available under License In Copyright. Download (152kB) | Preview

Abstract

With the rising prevalence of eating disorders within the United Kingdom and the current equivocal findings regarding negative affect and disordered eating, the present research aimed to assess the predictive capacity of perceived stress and trait anxiety on binge-eating behaviours within the general population (N = 115). Via opportunity sampling, 32 males and 83 females took part in a questionnaire comprising of 3 separate well-established questionnaires, the Perceived Stress Scale, the IPIP HEXACO E:Anxi scale and the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire. Pearson’s correlation coefficients and multiple regression analyses were computed. Findings indicated moderate significant positive correlations between the independent variables of perceived stress and trait anxiety and the dependent variable of disinhibition. However, multiple regression analyses did not replicate such results. Inconsistent with previous research, it can be concluded that perceived stress and trait anxiety are not significant predictors of binge-eating behaviour. The results are discussed regarding previous research and future research implications.