An examination of negative urgency and other impulsigenic traits in purging disorder

Heather A. Davis, Gregory T. Smith, Pamela K. Keel

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

9 Scopus citations

Abstract

There is extensive evidence for the clinical significance of Purging Disorder (PD), an eating disorder characterized by recurrent purging behavior (self-induced vomiting, laxative use, and diuretic use) in the absence of binge eating and low weight (Smith, Crowther, & Lavender, 2017). Research on the personality profile of PD is still developing but evidence supports an association with impulsivity (Brown, Haedt-Matt, & Keel, 2011). The personality underpinnings of impulsive behavior include several different impulsigenic traits. To investigate personality contributors to impulsive behavior among women with PD, we compared 31 women with PD to 57 women with bulimia nervosa (BN) and 31 healthy control women on four impulsigenic traits: negative urgency, lack of premeditation, lack of perseverance, and sensation seeking. Compared to healthy controls, women with PD reported significantly greater levels of negative urgency, but no significant differences on the other traits. Compared to BN, PD was associated with significantly lower levels of negative urgency, but no other significant differences. Compared with controls, women in the BN group had significantly higher scores on lack of premeditation and lack of perseverance, but no significant difference on sensation seeking. Findings indicate negative urgency is a potentially important personality trait for distinguishing those with PD.

Original languageEnglish
Article number101365
JournalEating Behaviors
Volume36
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2020

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2020 Elsevier Ltd

Funding

This work was supported by grants from the National Institute of Mental Health ( R01 MH 61836 ; F31 MH 114551 ). This work was supported by grants from the National Institute of Mental Health ( R01 MH 61836 Keel; F31 MH 114551 Davis).

FundersFunder number
National Institute of Mental HealthF31 MH 114551, R01MH061836

    Keywords

    • Bulimia nervosa
    • Bulimic behaviors
    • Impulsive behaviors
    • Personality
    • Purging disorder

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • Clinical Psychology
    • Psychiatry and Mental health

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