Appraisal and coping strategies in stressful situations: A comparison of individuals who binge eat and controls

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate whether individuals who engage in binge eating appraise and cope with stressful situations in a different manner than people who do not regularly binge eat. Method: Female undergraduates participated in a two-part study. The laboratory portion of the study involved participation in two tasks: an interpersonal stressor and an academic stressor. In the second portion of the study, participants completed a daily stress inventory for I week. Results: Individuals in the binge group appraised both the laboratory and natural environment stressors as more stressful than did the controls. Differences were evident in the amount and type of coping strategies used between eating groups. The binge group reported using more positive coping strategies and more catastrophizing in both settings. Discussion: Together, the results suggest that appraisal and coping or stress management components may be useful in treatment packages for individuals who binge eat. (C) 1997 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.