An examination of negative urgency and other impulsigenic traits in purging disorder. (January 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Davis, Heather A.; Smith, Gregory T.; Keel, Pamela K.
• Is Part Of: Eating behaviors. Volume 36(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-01
• Subjects: Purging disorder -- Bulimia nervosa -- Personality -- Impulsive behaviors -- Bulimic behaviors; Eating disorders -- Periodicals; Compulsive eating -- Periodicals; Obesity -- Periodicals; 616.8526
• DOI: 10.1016/j.eatbeh.2020.101365
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1471-0153

Abstract

Abstract: There is extensive evidence for the clinical significance of Purging Disorder (PD), an eating disorder characterized by recurrent purging behavior (self-induced vomiting, laxative use, and diuretic use) in the absence of binge eating and low weight (Smith, Crowther, & Lavender, 2017). Research on the personality profile of PD is still developing but evidence supports an association with impulsivity (Brown, Haedt-Matt, & Keel, 2011). The personality underpinnings of impulsive behavior include several different impulsigenic traits. To investigate personality contributors to impulsive behavior among women with PD, we compared 31 women with PD to 57 women with bulimia nervosa (BN) and 31 healthy control women on four impulsigenic traits: negative urgency, lack of premeditation, lack of perseverance, and sensation seeking. Compared to healthy controls, women with PD reported significantly greater levels of negative urgency, but no significant differences on the other traits. Compared to BN, PD was associated with significantly lower levels of negative urgency, but no other significant differences. Compared with controls, women in the BN group had significantly higher scores on lack of premeditation and lack of perseverance, but no significant difference on sensation seeking. Findings indicate negative urgency is a potentially important personality trait for distinguishing those with PD. Highlights: Negative urgency (NU) differentiates women with eating disorders and healthy control women. Women with purging disorder report higher levels of NU than healthy control women. Women with bulimia nervosa report higher levels of NU than women with purging disorder.