Binge Eating As a Means for Evading Identity Issues: The Association Between an Avoidance Identity Style and Bulimic Behavior

In this article, we compare two theoretical models pertaining to the development and maintenance of bulimic behavior to examine the association between bulimia and identity in young female adults. Escape theory posits that binge eating is an unintended result of escaping the self, or the avoidance of thinking about identity issues. In contrast, functional theory proposes that binge eating is more likely a predictor of, and possibly a mechanism for, avoiding self-identity issues. Questionnaires designed to measure 6 social-cognitive variables, including depression and a diffuse-avoidance identity processing orientation, were completed by 193 female university students. Linear structural equations revealed more support for the view of bulimia as functional or purposeful. Bulimic behavior predicted the avoidance of identity issues rather than the converse. Implications of the link between bulimia and identity are discussed.