Identity and conformism among Italian adolescents who binge eat and drink

Abstract

This cross-sectional study examined binge eating and binge drinking behaviours analysing their association with the process of identity formation in adolescence and individual tendency towards conformism. The sample consisted of 1500 Italian students (660 boys and 840 girls) attending high school. The average age of the students was 17.31 years (SD = 1.34; range: 17–19). They completed self-report measures assessing binge behaviours, ego identity status and social conformism. Diffused adolescents were more likely to be engaged in binge eating and binge behaviours than others validating that the achievement of a consolidated ego identity is important for enhancing well-being and preventing problematic outcomes in adolescents. Moreover, adolescents engaging in binge behaviours reported the highest levels of tendency to compare their performances or ideas and opinions with others and to conform with them. The present study suggested that binge behaviours were strongly associated with an adolescent's identity process and have important implications for future empirical investigation and for clinical intervention.