Mediations of executive function, social cognitions, and interpersonal conflict in explaining the impact of self-esteem on disordered eating: structural equation modelling

Abstract

The complexity of psychological mechanisms in disordered eating behaviours was tested using a nonclinical sample (female adults from English speaking countries, N = 334). Concerning the development and maintenance of disturbed cognition and eating behaviour, theories of self-esteem, executive function, and emotion regulation as well as interpersonal and transdiagnostic theories and theory of mind were applied with covariates of depression, anxiety, family functioning, and demographic variables. Structural Equation Modelling demonstrated seven variables mediated the impact of self-esteem upon disordered eating. The theory of mind variable, when measured on the emotion recognition component, was a significant mechanism in explaining both anorexic eating and shape concerns, and bulimic symptoms. Meanwhile, thwarted belongingness, social evaluation, social conflict, and executive function—cognitive flexibility—were suggested mechanisms for shape and weight concerns, and restrictive eating. In contrast, emotion regulation and another executive function variable of negative urgency appeared as mechanisms of bulimic symptoms and behaviours.