The relation of anxiety, depression, and stress to binge eating behavior

J Health Psychol. 2015 Jun;20(6):887-98. doi: 10.1177/1359105315580212.

Abstract

This study aimed to extend the literature by examining several psychological factors (i.e. depression, anxiety, and stress) in relation to binge eating. Data were collected via online surveys from a community sample of men and women of diverse backgrounds. The main study hypotheses were supported, indicating a unique relation between anxiety and binge eating, and between stress and binge eating, independent of the impact of depression. Gender differences are discussed. The results of this study suggest a need for a more detailed examination of negative affect in binge eating. Furthermore, the role of anxiety may be important for future research.

Keywords: anxiety; binge eating; eating behavior; negative affect; stress.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Anxiety / complications
  • Anxiety / psychology*
  • Bulimia / etiology
  • Bulimia / psychology*
  • Depression / complications
  • Depression / psychology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Sex Factors
  • Stress, Psychological / complications
  • Stress, Psychological / psychology*
  • Young Adult