Exploring the Relationship Between Disordered Eating and Executive Function in a Non-Clinical Sample

Abstract

<jats:p> Previous research suggests that individuals diagnosed with eating disorders (ED) may experience executive functioning deficits that help maintain their ED. Although this relationship is reported consistently in clinical samples, it is important to consider whether it holds for individuals with sub-clinical ED symptoms. One hundred eighty-eight university students participated in the present study examining the relationship between executive function (EF) and disordered eating behaviors. Participants completed a demographics questionnaire, self-report questionnaires measuring atypical eating behaviors (EAT-26; EDI-3), and a self-report measure of EF (BRIEF-A). Correlational analyses demonstrated significant positive associations between ED behaviors and problems with emotional control, shifting, inhibition, and self-monitoring. Six hierarchical multiple regressions were conducted, using EF scores to predict scores on EAT-26 subscales (Dieting, Bulimia, Total ED Risk) and EDI-3 scales (Drive for Thinness, Bulimia, Risk Composite). In all regression analyses, BRIEF-A Emotional Control emerged as a significant predictor. As would be expected, EDI-3 Bulimia scores were also predicted by problems with inhibition. These results provide preliminary evidence of an association between non-clinical patterns of disordered eating and executive dysfunction, specifically including the ability to control one’s emotions, suggesting that emotional control problems may help predict ED risk. Future research could examine how these factors predict the development of eating disorders. </jats:p>

2023 International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) consensus statement on Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs)

“…Executive function: Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System Color-Word Interference Test,238 BRIEF-A391…”

Association of executive function problems and disordered eating behaviours in teens with type 1 diabetes

“…Previous research in the general population has shown that executive function problems are associated with subclinical disordered eating behaviours 13,14,24,25 and clinical eating disorders 15,26 . In particular, studies have shown that problems in the specific domains of set‐shifting and emotional control are associated with disordered eating behaviours and eating disorders 13,14,16 . Set‐shifting refers to a person's ‘ability to move freely from one situation, activity, or aspect of a problem to another, as the circumstances demand’ 27 .…”

“…Previous research in the general population has suggested that problems with executive function are associated with disordered eating behaviours 13,14 and clinical eating disorders 15,16 . However, there is limited research about this association in persons with type 1 diabetes, especially in the vulnerable adolescent age group 17 .…”

Orthorexia nervosa and executive dysfunction: symptomatology is related to difficulties with behavioral regulation

“…Regarding additional validity of the BRIEF-A, researchers have found that people with AN ORTHOREXIA AND EXECUTIVE FUNCTION 6 scored higher than healthy controls on the behavioral regulation scales [49], and that disordered eating levels were positively correlated with scores on the behavioral regulation scales in a nonclinical sample [50].…”