Examining impulsivity as a moderator of the relationship between body shame and bulimic symptoms in Black and White young women

Body Image. 2015 Jun:14:39-46. doi: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2015.03.007. Epub 2015 Apr 8.

Abstract

Impulsivity has been linked to bulimic symptomatology in a number of studies; however, few have examined this relationship among Black women. We investigated the correlations between impulsivity and bulimic symptoms, and tested impulsivity as a moderator of the body shame/bulimic symptoms relationship among a sample of female undergraduates (N=276; 97 Blacks, 179 Whites). These participants provided data on body shame, impulsivity, and bulimic symptoms (EDE-Q binge eating frequency, BULIT-R, EDI-Bulimia). Among Blacks, impulsivity was significantly positively associated with all bulimic symptoms measures; among Whites, impulsivity was only positively correlated with binge eating frequency. Furthermore, among Blacks, the combination of high body shame and high impulsivity was associated with the highest levels of bulimic symptoms; these findings were not observed among Whites. This study highlights the importance of impulsivity and body shame in identifying bulimic symptomatology among Black women.

Keywords: Black; Body shame; Bulimic symptoms; Disordered eating; Impulsivity; Race.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Black or African American / psychology*
  • Black or African American / statistics & numerical data
  • Body Image / psychology*
  • Bulimia / psychology*
  • Bulimia Nervosa / psychology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Impulsive Behavior*
  • Risk Factors
  • Shame*
  • Students / psychology
  • Students / statistics & numerical data
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • White People / psychology*
  • White People / statistics & numerical data
  • Young Adult