A latent profile analysis of the functions of binge eating

Abstract Objective The aim of this study was to identify naturally occurring groups of individuals experiencing binge eating (BE) symptoms based on their endorsement of varied functions of BE. Method Adults (N = 646) with self-reported BE symptoms were examined using latent profile analysis to ident...

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Main Authors: Elyse O’Loghlen, Roslyn Galligan, Sharon Grant
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2025-01-01
Series:Journal of Eating Disorders
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s40337-024-01147-0
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author Elyse O’Loghlen
Roslyn Galligan
Sharon Grant
author_facet Elyse O’Loghlen
Roslyn Galligan
Sharon Grant
author_sort Elyse O’Loghlen
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Objective The aim of this study was to identify naturally occurring groups of individuals experiencing binge eating (BE) symptoms based on their endorsement of varied functions of BE. Method Adults (N = 646) with self-reported BE symptoms were examined using latent profile analysis to identify differentiated profiles based on eight established functions of BE. Profiles were also compared on measures of BE symptoms, eating disorder psychopathology, internal shame, body shame, psychological distress, adverse childhood experiences, and demographic variables. Results A four-profile solution was selected balancing goodness-of-fit and interpretability. Profiles identified were Emotion Avoidance, Classic, Emotion Reactivity, and Complex, with profiles differing primarily on emotion- and trauma-related functions of BE, and varying on all associated characteristics examined, with the Complex profile showing the most adverse associations. Discussion The identification of these distinct profiles suggests that individuals present with differentiated, inter-related patterns or reasons for BE. These clinically relevant profiles may inform binge-eating intervention choice and the targeting of specific maintenance factors within profiles. Further research is needed to examine the clinical utility of these profiles in informing the most suitable psychological treatment for an individual.
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spelling doaj-art-f3aabdbe98e043c294eac70a0d569a3c2025-01-26T12:09:55ZengBMCJournal of Eating Disorders2050-29742025-01-0113111710.1186/s40337-024-01147-0A latent profile analysis of the functions of binge eatingElyse O’Loghlen0Roslyn Galligan1Sharon Grant2Department of Psychological Sciences, Swinburne University of TechnologyDepartment of Psychological Sciences, Swinburne University of TechnologyDepartment of Psychological Sciences, Swinburne University of TechnologyAbstract Objective The aim of this study was to identify naturally occurring groups of individuals experiencing binge eating (BE) symptoms based on their endorsement of varied functions of BE. Method Adults (N = 646) with self-reported BE symptoms were examined using latent profile analysis to identify differentiated profiles based on eight established functions of BE. Profiles were also compared on measures of BE symptoms, eating disorder psychopathology, internal shame, body shame, psychological distress, adverse childhood experiences, and demographic variables. Results A four-profile solution was selected balancing goodness-of-fit and interpretability. Profiles identified were Emotion Avoidance, Classic, Emotion Reactivity, and Complex, with profiles differing primarily on emotion- and trauma-related functions of BE, and varying on all associated characteristics examined, with the Complex profile showing the most adverse associations. Discussion The identification of these distinct profiles suggests that individuals present with differentiated, inter-related patterns or reasons for BE. These clinically relevant profiles may inform binge-eating intervention choice and the targeting of specific maintenance factors within profiles. Further research is needed to examine the clinical utility of these profiles in informing the most suitable psychological treatment for an individual.https://doi.org/10.1186/s40337-024-01147-0Binge-eating disorderEating disordersEating disordersDepressionAnxietyStress
spellingShingle Elyse O’Loghlen
Roslyn Galligan
Sharon Grant
A latent profile analysis of the functions of binge eating
Journal of Eating Disorders
Binge-eating disorder
Eating disorders
Eating disorders
Depression
Anxiety
Stress
title A latent profile analysis of the functions of binge eating
title_full A latent profile analysis of the functions of binge eating
title_fullStr A latent profile analysis of the functions of binge eating
title_full_unstemmed A latent profile analysis of the functions of binge eating
title_short A latent profile analysis of the functions of binge eating
title_sort latent profile analysis of the functions of binge eating
topic Binge-eating disorder
Eating disorders
Eating disorders
Depression
Anxiety
Stress
url https://doi.org/10.1186/s40337-024-01147-0
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