Externalized self and emotion dysregulation as predictors of disordered eating

The present study examined the relationship between an underlying externalized self-concept (defined by low self-esteem, low self-concept clarity, and an external locus of control), emotion dysregulation, internalisation of sociocultural appearance norms, and disordered eating in men and women. The present sample included 177 undergraduate students (121 women, 56 men) and was ethnically diverse. Structural equation modeling was used to test a proposed model of disordered eating development. It was hypothesized that an underlying externalized self-concept would predict both emotion dysregulation and disordered eating. It was also hypothesized that externalized self would predict disordered eating indirectly via emotion dysregulation. While the proposed model was not an overall good fit for the data, all hypotheses regarding the relationships between these variables were supported. Specifically, externalized self was significantly, positively, and directly related to both emotion dysregulation and eating pathology. Externalized self also indirectly predicted eating pathology via emotion dysregulation. The model fit the data equally well for men and women, indicating that eating pathology as depicted in the proposed model develops similarly for both sexes. Internalization of sociocultural appearance norms was examined as a potential moderating variable and was found to moderate the relationship between emotion dysregulation and eating pathology, but not between externalized self and eating pathology. Overall, these findings support an externalized self and emotion dysregulation as separate but related risk factors for developing disordered eating in men and women. Furthermore, for individuals with underlying emotion dysregulation, the addition of internalized sociocultural appearance norms further increases the risk of developing eating pathology.