The relationship between eating self-efficacy and eating disorder symptoms in a non-clinical sample

Most research on eating self-efficacy has focused on its relationship with eating behaviors and weight-loss in clinical populations. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between eating self-efficacy and the behavioral and psychological characteristics associated with eating disorders in a non-clinical sample of adults. A total of 219 men and women aged 18 and older completed questionnaires measuring eating disorder symptoms and eating self-efficacy. The results indicated that low confidence in the ability to control eating while experiencing negative emotions was associated with greater weight preoccupation and bulimic thought and behaviors. In addition, low confidence in ability to control eating when an abundance of food is available was inversely related to feelings of ineffectiveness or general negative self-evaluation. Ultimately, the findings suggest that low eating self-efficacy may also be associated with eating problems within populations not seeking treatment for either eating disorders or weight-loss. The implications of the findings are discussed.