A Developmental and Behavioral Explanation of the Relationship Between Feeling Worthy and Binge Eating Behavior; Is Food Filling a Void of Relationality According to the CCMMP?

Abstract

Binge Eating Disorder is one of the three most significant eating disorders listed in the DSM-V; however, much is still unknown about its etiology. This work proposes a pilot study to address the scarcity of empirical evidence for binge eating and its development. This dissertation will begin by defining the relevant aspects of binge eating as well as explore concepts of self-worth and self-object. Through the use of the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and Self-object Needs Inventory this study examined the possible relationship between binge eating, self-worth and self-object. The study addresses three hypotheses: first that binge eating is negatively impacted by a person’s sense of self-worth; second, binge eating behavior is used as a form of self-object; and third, low self-worth and negative self-object needs will together predict increased binge eating behavior. The results of the study were ultimately inconclusive, although several theories are proposed to include the use of variables that are similar but not exact to the ones used in this study such as emotional eating, parental attachments, and shame. The limitations of this study were also identified as more concise questionnaires available then were used, a lack of diversity of race and ethnicity among the participants, and possibly a too modest sample size.