The relation between the lack of control attributional style for indulgent food consumption and bulimic symptoms

Abstract

Objective The study examined the potential link between the lack of control attributional style for indulgent food consumption and bulimic symptoms. Method One hundred and 77 undergraduates (145 female; mean age = 19 years-2 months) were administered the Eating Attributional Style Questionnaire and the Sterling Eating Disorder Scales across a five-month period. Results SEM analyses confirmed that: (1) uncontrollability attributions for indulgent food consumption were concurrently associated with bulimic symptoms, and (2) external locus of control and uncontrollability attributions for indulgent food consumption predicted changes in bulimic symptoms. Conclusions The findings yielded support for the conclusion that the lack of control attributional style for indulgent food consumption is a probable cause of bulimic symptoms.