Binge Eating Disorder and identity status in adolescence

The study aims to examine the relationship between Ego identity status model and Binge Eating Disorder in adolescence. The Extended Objective Measure of Ego-Identity Status-2 (Bennion & Adams, 1986; Laghi et al., 2008, 2009), the Iowa-Netherlands Comparison Orientation Measure (Gibbons & Buunk, 1999; D'Alessio & Laghi, 2007; Baiocco, D'Alessio & Laghi, 2009), and the Binge Eating Scale (Gormally, Black, Daston & Rardin, 1982; Couyoumdjian, Baiocco & Del Miglio, 2006) have been administered to a sample of students (N = 316). Adolescents were categorized in the more advanced statuses (achievement and moratorium) and the less advanced statuses (diffusion and foreclosure) and in moderate, severe, and no binge eaters according to answers provided in the BES. The survey revealed - by means of univariate and multivariate analysis - that these groups differ in terms of Identity status dimensions. Ideological and Interpersonal domains, and conformism are predictors of BED. The findings of this study emphasize the importance of carefully considering the domains included in future research on identity formation.