Anger and bulimic psychopathology among nonclinical women.

Abstract

Although there are well-established links between bulimic psychopathology and some affective states, the role of anger is not clearly understood. This is likely to be a product of the diverse nature of anger. The present study examines the association of different components of anger with bulimic attitudes and behaviors among a nonclinical group of women. Eighty-three nonclinical women completed standardized measures of anger and bulimic attitudes/behaviors. Bulimic attitudes and behaviors were correlated specifically with state anger and anger suppression, rather than with trait anger. The pattern of results suggests that binging and vomiting behaviors may serve different functions with regard to anger. Bulimic attitudes and behaviors appear to reduce immediate anger states, particularly when the individual has a strong tendency to avoid expressing that emotion. Potential therapeutic implications are considered.