"Not just right" experiences account for unique variance in eating pathology

Eat Disord. 2018 Sep-Oct;26(5):464-476. doi: 10.1080/10640266.2018.1481305. Epub 2018 Jun 4.

Abstract

"Not just right" experiences (NJREs) are uncomfortable sensations of incompleteness linked to obsessive-compulsive disorder; however, NJREs may be transdiagnostic and play a role in eating pathology. The current study examined relations between NJREs and eating pathology in undergraduate students. Participants (n = 248) completed self-report and behavioral assessments. Controlling for obsessive-compulsive symptoms, negative affect, and perfectionism, NJRE frequency was associated with greater drive for thinness, body dissatisfaction, and bulimic symptoms. Discomfort in response to a visual in vivo NJRE task was positively associated with drive for thinness and body dissatisfaction. The present study provides initial evidence for NJREs in eating pathology. Theoretical implications are discussed.

MeSH terms

  • Anxiety / psychology*
  • Body Image / psychology*
  • Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale / statistics & numerical data
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Eating
  • Feeding and Eating Disorders / psychology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Self Report
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Young Adult