A mediational model relating sociotropy, ambivalence over emotional expression, and disordered eating
Two factors that have been found to predict eating disorders are sociotropy or dependent personality style and ambivalence over emotional expression, but there has been little consideration of the relationship between them and how this relationship may contribute to an understanding of eating disorders. A mediational model is proposed in which high sociotropy leads to greater ambivalence over expressing emotions, which in turn increases vulnerability to eating disorders. Consistent with predictions, among 115 college women, a high level of sociotropy was associated with a high level of ambivalence over emotional expression, which in turn was associated with increased disordered eating. Furthermore, ambivalence over emotional expression significantly mediated the effect of sociotropy on disordered eating, even when controlling for depression level. Findings are considered within a developmental framework, and treatment implications are discussed.
Duke Scholars
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Related Subject Headings
- Social Psychology
- 5205 Social and personality psychology
- 5201 Applied and developmental psychology
- 4405 Gender studies
- 1701 Psychology
- 1699 Other Studies in Human Society
- 1117 Public Health and Health Services
Citation
Published In
DOI
ISSN
Publication Date
Volume
Issue
Start / End Page
Related Subject Headings
- Social Psychology
- 5205 Social and personality psychology
- 5201 Applied and developmental psychology
- 4405 Gender studies
- 1701 Psychology
- 1699 Other Studies in Human Society
- 1117 Public Health and Health Services