Restraint theory,locus of control and the situational analysis of binge eating

This paper examines the relationship between three traditions of explanations that have been applied in studies of binge eating: restraint theory, locus of control and the situational analysis of behaviour. The Restraint Scale (RS), Internal-External Locus of Control Scale (I-ELOCS), Weight Locus of Control Scale (WLOCS), Situations for Eating Scale (SES), Reasons for Eating Scale (RES) and the Binge Scale (BS) were administered to over 100 subjects. The factor structure of the RS and RES obtained in the present study were compared with those obtained in previous studies and revealed a close correspondence. Binge-eating subjects scored significantly higher than non-binge-eating subjects on the RS and its subscales, on externality as measured by the I-ELOCS, on the negative situations dimension of the SES, the RES and three of its subscales (Negative Emotions, Stimulation and Eating—A Habit). The need to take a number of aspects of both the individual and the situation into account when dealing with binge eating is discussed.