The role of anxiety in binge eating behavior: a critical examination of theory and empirical literature
The purpose of this manuscript is to expand the understanding of binge eating by reviewing the role of aspects of negative affect. Specifically, this paper will present evi dence for further investigation of the bearing that anxiety may have in binge eating devel opment and maintenance. A comprehensive review of the literature regarding the relation of binge eating and anxiety was performed. Valuable contributions have been made to the binge eating literature regarding some aspects of negative affect (i.e., depression); however, outside of bulimia nervosa studies, much of the theoretical and empirical binge eating research to date has not directly addressed the role of anxiety. Research sup ports expansion of investigations of negative emotionality and binge eating to include spe cific study of anxiety. Greater inclusivity and specificity in the unique contributions of var ious negative emotions may further the devel opment of temporal models and intervention efforts.
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