The role of daily hassles in binge eating

Objective: The present study investigated the relationship between daily ha ssles and the frequency and caloric intake of eating episodes among normal- weight women who engage in binging (n = 17) and those who do not (n = 17). Method: For 2 weeks, participants self-monitored their food intake during t he day and completed The Hassles Scale each evening before retiring. Result s: Results indicated that women who engage in binge eating rated daily hass les as significantly more stressful than women who do not binge. Also, wome n who engage in binge eating consumed significantly more calories on those days characterized by higher as opposed to lower levels of stress. Discussi on: Theoretical and clinical implications of these findings are discussed. (C) 2001 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.