The significance of general locus of control beliefs, weight-specific locus of control beliefs and restraint in predicting binge eating behaviors in an eating disordered population

Despite the fact that theoretical and diagnostic conceptualizations of eating disorders identify control beliefs as being integral to these disorders, there has been limited empirical investigation of the relationship between control beliefs and eating disordered behaviors. This study examined the significance of general locus of control, weight-specific locus of control beliefs, and dietary restraint in predicting binge eating behaviors in an eating disordered population. Participants included 154 females being admitted for inpatient treatment of eating disorder symptoms (Mean age = 25.14 ± 8.21; Mean BMI = 18.91 ± 4.42) and 30 female university students without eating disorders (Mean age = 24.33 ± 9.74; Mean BMI = 22.86 ± 4.82). Using analysis of variance and regression techniques, this study suggested that: (1) individuals diagnosed with Bulimia Nervosa-purging subtype (BN) endorse a more external general locus of control that individuals without any eating disorder diagnosis; (2) there is no difference between the weight-specific locus of control of individuals with and without eating disorders; (3) comparing between the eating disorder diagnostic categories, individuals diagnosed with BN endorsed the most external general locus of control beliefs, followed by individuals diagnosed with AN-binge/purge subtype and AN-restrictive subtype, respectively; (4) there is no statistically significant differences between the eating disorders on weight-specific locus of control; and (5) having a external weight-specific locus of control is associated with more frequent objective binge episodes. The results are discussed in light of previous research on control and on binge eating. Future directions for research in this area are suggested.