| Although a considerable body of research has assessed the antecedents and consequences of binge episodes among individuals with Bulimia Nervosa (BN), the maintaining mechanisms of bulimic symptomatology have yet to be fully understood. Furthermore, it is unclear how the daily symptoms of individuals with Purging Disorder (PD) compare to BN. The present study examined the cognitions, emotions, and eating behaviors of individuals with bulimic spectrum disorders and controls using Ecological Momentary Assessment methodology. A sample of 42 women with Bulimic Spectrum disorders (BN: n=33; PD: n=9) and controls (n=31) completed daily diary assessments on mobile devices for 10 days. Results indicated that individuals with BN reported more objective binge episodes (OBEs) than those with PD and controls, yet those with BN and PD did not differ in the frequency of subjective binge episodes (SBEs). Negative affect was predictive of cognitive, yet not behavioral, aspects of dietary restriction, and increases in negative affect and guilt were predictive of OBEs, but not SBEs. Contrary to the affect regulation model, binge episodes did not effectively regulate affect. Furthermore, affect lability was associated with higher levels of eating psychopathology and OBE frequencies. Whereas OBEs predicted subsequent cognitive restraint, neither OBEs nor SBEs predicted post-eating body dissatisfaction, increased negative affect or guilt, or thoughts of exercise or purging. Findings highlight the differential relationships between eating psychopathology, cognitive and behavioral aspects of dietary restriction, and affective changes among individuals with BN and PD, as well as the similarities and differences in BN and PD symptomatology. |
