The Perception of Threat from Emotions in Predicting Binge Eating Behaviours in People Who Are Obese and Seeking Treatment for Their Weight

OBJECTIVE: The affect regulation theory suggests that people binge eat to regulate negative emotional states. In this study, we used a basic emotions perspective to consider the role of perceived threat of emotions, emotional suppression and reduced emotional expressiveness in predicting binge eating behaviours in people who are obese. METHOD: Treatment-seeking participants with obesity (N = 51, body mass index range from 30.8 to 60.2 kg m(-2) ) completed measures of 'perception of threat from emotion' as well as 'emotional expressiveness' and binge eating. RESULTS: The results demonstrated that perceived threat of sadness predicted binge eating (β = .55, p