RESTRAINED EATING AMONG ADOLESCENTS - DIETERS ARE NOT ALWAYS BINGERS AND BINGERS ARE NOT ALWAYS DIETERS

This study examined individual differences in the relationships among 3 constructs relevant to restrained eating theory-cognitive restraint (dieting), disinhibition (binging), and hunger. Participants were 421 adolescents (158 male, 255 female, and 8 not indicated). Comparisons a mong subgroups based on scores on the 3 constructs indicated that ther e were (a) 2 types of frequent dieters-those who follow theoretical pr edictions and become disinhibited and those who maintain their restrai nt; (b) 2 types of bingers-those who engage in dieting-induced binging and those who are hungry and disinhibited; and (c) 2 types of low-hun ger eaters-those who suppress their hunger and those who eat before th ey experience much hunger. Implications of the results for restrained eating theory are discussed.