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The dual-pathway and cognitive-behavioural models of binge eating: prospective evaluation and comparison

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Abstract

To evaluate and compare the dual-pathway, original cognitive-behavioural, and enhanced “transdiagnostic” cognitive-behavioural models of binge eating, using prospective data from a pre-adolescent sample. Models were tested using multilevel longitudinal structural equation modelling. Participants were 236 children (48% male) aged between 8 and 13 years at baseline, who were interviewed annually over a 2-year period. Binge eating was assessed using the Child Eating Disorder Examination. The dual-pathway and enhanced cognitive-behavioural models provided an acceptable fit to the data, whereas the original cognitive-behavioural model did not. Partial support is provided for the prospective validity of the dual-pathway and enhanced cognitive-behavioural models of binge eating in childhood. Results suggest that body dissatisfaction and weight and shape over-evaluation may both contribute to dieting behaviour in youth, and that dieting and affect-related difficulties both require consideration in theories of binge eating development.

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Acknowledgments

The Growth and Development Study was funded by Healthway, HBF, and the Raine Medical Foundation. The first author was funded by an Australian Postgraduate Award. We would also like to acknowledge the contributions of our colleagues, Deborah Blumberg, Lisa Gibson, Katie Suriano, and Felicity Watt.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Psychology, M304, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia

    Karina L. Allen, Susan M. Byrne & Neil J. McLean

  2. Centre for Child Health Research, Telethon Institute for Child Health Research, The University of Western Australia, PO Box 855, West Perth, Australia

    Karina L. Allen & Susan M. Byrne

Authors
  1. Karina L. Allen
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  2. Susan M. Byrne
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  3. Neil J. McLean
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Correspondence to Karina L. Allen.

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Allen, K.L., Byrne, S.M. & McLean, N.J. The dual-pathway and cognitive-behavioural models of binge eating: prospective evaluation and comparison. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 21, 51–62 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00787-011-0231-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00787-011-0231-z

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