THE EFFECTS OF DIETING ON EATING BEHAVIOR - A 3-FACTOR MODEL

I review and critique restraint theory and develop a 3-factor model of dieting behavior. The factors -frequency of dieting and overeating, c urrent dieting, and weight suppression-are embedded within a 3-dimensi onal grid that also considers mechanisms mediating the effects of diet ing and the influence of weight status. I argue that the eating behavi or exhibited by restrained eaters stems from their frequent dieting an d overeating in the past rather than from their current state of dieta ry or cognitive restraint. Evidence is reviewed, indicating that curre nt dieting and weight suppression have different effects on eating tha n does restraint. The 3-factor model is used to reinterpret findings c onsistent with restraint theory and to explain findings inconsistent w ith restraint theory. Finally, clinical and research implications of t he 3-factor model are discussed.