Interpersonal sensitivity predicts bulimic symptomatology cross-sectionally and longitudinally

Abstract

Individuals who experience interpersonal sensitivity (IPS) may be at an increased risk for developing eating disorder symptomatology. The purpose of the present study was to assess the predictive capacity of IPS and related constructs in the development of bulimic symptomatology both cross-sectionally and longitudinally while controlling for depressive symptoms. Participants were 119 female undergraduate psychology students attending a private mid-size Midwestern university. Data were collected at both the beginning and end of the academic semester. Participants completed the Center for Epidemiological Study — Depression Scale, Brief Fear of Negative Evaluation Scale, Interpersonal Sensitivity Measure, and the Bulimia Test — Revised. The Fragile Inner Self subscale of the IPSM was found to significantly account for additional variability in BULIT-R scores after controlling for depression both cross-sectionally and longitudinally (8% and 2%, respectively). IPS is a suitable candidate for inclusion in the dual pathway model of bulimic symptomatology.