Cultural values and ethnic identity are important considerations in the link between emotion dysregulation and loss of control eating in Asian/Asian American men

Abstract

ObjectivePreliminary data suggest that Asian/Asian American report among the highest rates of loss of control (LOC) eating, yet the psychosocial and sociocultural correlates of LOC eating are currently understudied. The present study sought to examine the link between emotion dysregulation and LOC eating in Asian/Asian American men. Adherence to traditional Asian cultural values and ethnic identity were evaluated as potential moderators. Methods266 Asian/Asian American men (Mage = 24.4 ± 3.6y; MBMI = 24.2 ± 5.6 kg/m2) participated in the current study and completed an online survey. ResultsNegative binomial regression models generally supported the positive link between emotion dysregulation and LOC eating in Asian/Asian American men. However, lack of emotional awareness when distressed was found to be significantly and inversely associated with LOC eating frequency. Adherence to Asian cultural values moderated the association between emotional impulsivity and LOC eating frequency; this link was positive among those with low adherence to Asian values, and negative among those with high adherence to Asian values. Exploration of one's ethnic identity moderated the link between emotional awareness when distressed and LOC eating frequency; the association was flat among men with low exploration of their ethnic identity, and inverse among those with high exploration of their ethnic identity. DiscussionAlthough mechanistic and prospective studies are needed, these findings provide support for the affect regulation model of LOC eating in Asian/Asian American men and suggest that there are culture-specific factors that may be relevant to the development and/or maintenance of this disordered eating behavior.