Rumination and body dissatisfaction interact to predict concurrent binge eating

Based upon the escape theory (Baumeister, 1991 and Heatherton and Baumeister, 1991) and the emotional cascade model (Selby, Anestis, & Joiner, 2008), it was hypothesized that body dissatisfaction and rumination tendencies would interact to predict concurrent binge eating symptoms. This hypothesis was tested in a sample of 780 undergraduate students. The results conformed to prediction, in that individuals with high levels of body dissatisfaction were most likely to report binge eating behavior when they also had a tendency to ruminate. This interaction had a significant association with binge eating, above and beyond variance accounted for by participant sex, depression symptoms, and body mass index. Moreover, there was evidence of specificity for the model, as the interaction did not predict concurrent problematic drinking. Our findings suggest compatibility between the escape theory and emotional cascade models, and identify two factors that, in combination, may render individuals particularly vulnerable to binge eating.

► Rumination and body dissatisfaction interact to predict binge eating in college men and women. ► This interaction is predictive above and beyond effects of gender and depression symptoms. ► The interaction is specific to binge eating, and does not predict problematic alcohol consumption.