Association of anger with bulimic and other impulsive behaviours among non‐clinical women and men

Abstract

AbstractObjectivesThe literature on links between anger and bulimic behaviours has focused largely on clinical populations of female patients. This study of a non‐clinical group explores whether the relationship between anger and bulimia is specific to binge‐eating (rather than other eating or impulsive behaviours) and whether the links are gender‐specific.MethodsA non‐clinical population of 72 women and 49 men completed Spanish translations of self‐report measures on anger, bulimia and impulsivity. Non‐parametric correlations (Spearman's rho) were used.ResultsWomen with higher levels of trait anger were more likely to engage in binge‐eating, and fasted less. In contrast, men who experienced higher levels of anger used more impulsive behaviours (such as substance abuse and self‐harm). External expression of anger was related to binge‐eating regardless of gender, but was associated with different facets of impulsivity for males and females.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that different behaviours are associated with anger among males and females. Further research and potential implications for preventative programmes are discussed. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.