Grant: Master's Award: Canada Graduate Scholarships

Binge eating disorder and bulimia nervosa are eating disorders connected to considerable distress and mental health challenges. Both of these diagnoses involve loss of control eating (LOCe) episodes. This occurs when an individual feels as if they do not have control over their eating, regardless of how much food they consume. Researchers have proposed that one is more likely to experience LOCe when in a negative mood. An additional factor suggested to contribute is how much value one places on food, and how rewarding they would find being provided with a food. A less understood mechanism is weight suppression – the difference between a person’s highest past weight and their current weight. Weight suppression has been found to influence the development of both bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder and is therefore, important to study. The purpose of the current study is to investigate how weight suppression, negative mood states and the motivation for food, interact to impact LOCe. Specifically, we will look if negative mood is a factor connecting weight suppression to the value one places on food. Participants will complete this study in either a negative or neutral mood state. We will then asses the value they place on food by seeing how hard they are willing to work during a computer task that will allow them to earn M&M candies. Participants will report their emotional state multiple times throughout their visit, allowing us to see if changes in emotions impact their desire to gain food rewards. Finally, by completing height and weight measurements and questionnaires, we will be able to calculate one’s weight suppression levels. Overall, results will provide a greater understanding into the factors impacting LOCe, potentially informing future therapy practices.