The relationship between anxiety sensitivity and disordered eating: The mediating role of experiential avoidance

This study examined the role of experiential avoidance in the association between dimensions of anxiety sensitivity (AS) and disordered eating. A sample of 395 undergraduate students completed a series of questionnaires assessing the constructs of interest. Results indicate that the AS dimension of fear of cognitive dyscontrol was significantly uniquely associated with disordered eating. Furthermore, results provide support for a model in which experiential avoidance mediates the association between fear of cognitive dyscontrol and disordered eating. Findings of the present study highlight one potential mechanism underlying the association between AS and disordered eating, suggesting that efforts to avoid internal experiences may play a role in eating pathology. Clinical implications of these findings are discussed.

► Fear of cognitive dyscontrol is uniquely associated with disordered eating.
► Experiential avoidance is uniquely associated with disordered eating.
► Experiential avoidance mediates fear of cognitive dyscontrol and disordered eating.