A Mediated Model of Minority Stress and Binge Eating in Sexual Minority Women

Previous studies have shown that sexual minority women (SMW) report more binge-eating behaviors than heterosexual women. Explanations for this differentiation have not been researched adequately. SMW also experience unique stressors related to minority sexual orientation. These minority stressors include both distal stressors (e.g. discrimination) and proximal stressors (e.g. expectations of rejection). Both types of stressors have been found to be integral in the development of negative mental and physical health outcomes in SMW. The importance of mediators and moderators in the minority stress and negative outcomes association has been demonstrated in previous literature. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the role of minority stressors in explaining binge-eating behaviors in SMW. A model was developed connecting minority stress to binge-eating through a network of mediated variables including barriers, mental health, and body shame. It was hypothesized that SMW would engage in binge-eating behaviors as predicted by the affect regulation model and psychological mediation framework. A sample of 164 SMW was recruited through a variety of online avenues. The model supported both the psychological mediation framework and the affect regulation model. The principal finding was that among SMW proximal stressors activate barriers which in turn activate negative mental health and ultimately binge-eating. Implications of the study regarding interventions are discussed. Limitations of this research include its cross section design convenience sample. Future studies should use more sophisticated methodology including novel measurements of binge-eating behaviors. Overall, the study provides evidence that minority stress explains some of the disparities in binge-eating between sexual minority and heterosexual women.