Emotion dysregulation moderates the relationship between alcohol use and eating pathology among heavy‐drinking college men

• Published in: Journal of clinical psychology 2021-07, Vol.77 (7), p.1763-1775
• Main Authors: Horvath, Sarah A., Kolp, Haley M., Andersen, Catherine V., Johnson, Ellen E., Racine, Sarah E., Borsari, Brian, Stuart, Gregory L., Gidycz, Christine A., Shorey, Ryan C.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: alcohol abuse; Alcohol use; eating disorders; emotion dysregulation; gender; Pathology
• ISSN: 0021-9762; 1097-4679
• DOI: 10.1002/jclp.23157

Objectives There is limited research examining the relationship between alcohol use and eating pathology in men or factors that may moderate this association. The current study investigated the relationship between alcohol use and eating pathology, and examined emotion dysregulation as a moderator of this association, among heavy‐drinking college men. Method Men mandated to receive an alcohol intervention (N = 88; average age = 19 years) completed questionnaires related to alcohol use, emotion dysregulation, and eating pathology. Results Results demonstrated positive relationships between alcohol use and some eating pathology, and a significant interaction between alcohol use and emotion dysregulation. However, results were contrary to hypotheses, such that there was a positive relationship between alcohol use and eating pathology at low levels of emotion dysregulation. Conclusion Future studies should continue to examine the overall presentation of eating pathology in men and investigate factors that may impact the relationship between alcohol use and eating pathology.