Disordered eating in adolescence: the roles of sensation seeking, weight status, and behavioral difficulties

Abstract Background Previous studies that have focused primarily on binge eating in young adults have suggested an association between the personality trait sensation seeking and disordered eating. Far less is known about this relationship in adolescents, particularly concerning sensation seeking and eating disorder psychopathology. Thus, the present study investigated the association between sensation seeking and disordered eating, including eating disorder psychopathology and relevant diagnostic symptoms of eating disorders (i.e., binge eating) in healthy adolescents, while also considering relevant sociodemographic variables. Additionally, moderating effects of weight status and behavioral difficulties were explored. Methods Four hundred 13- to 15-year-old participants from the LIFE Child study (Leipzig, Germany) provided information on sensation seeking (encompassing novelty- and intensity-seeking), disordered eating, behavioral difficulties, and sociodemographic data. Objective anthropometric measurements (body mass index, BMI) were also taken. Multiple linear regression models were applied to assess associations between sensation seeking and sociodemographic variables, as well as between sensation seeking and disordered eating. BMI and behavioral difficulties were included as moderators for analyses on interactions. Results Boys displayed higher levels of sensation seeking than girls, and novelty seeking was positively associated with socioeconomic status. Sensation seeking was positively associated with restraint and overeating. Associations with eating concern, loss of control eating, and binge eating did not remain significant after correction for multiple testing. The association between sensation seeking and disordered eating was stronger in adolescents with a higher BMI, more symptoms of hyperactivity/inattention, more emotional symptoms, and more peer problems. Conclusion The results indicate that higher sensation seeking is associated with restraint and overeating in adolescence. Hyperactivity/inattention and internalizing symptoms were shown to moderate associations between sensation seeking and disordered eating, suggesting that they may be promising targets for prevention strategies and interventions.