Reported childhood emotional neglect and binge-eating behaviors in a heterogeneous help-seeking sample of adult females: the mediational role of psychopathology and body concerns

Abstract Individuals presenting with eating-related difficulties frequently report a history of childhood maltreatment; however, the concurrent role of its specific forms—particularly neglect—in relation to dysfunctional eating patterns requires further clarification. Binge-eating behaviors represent a key transdiagnostic feature across various eating disorders, and these symptoms may be linked to childhood maltreatment and mediated by proximal psychological factors. This retrospective cross-sectional study examined whether reported childhood emotional neglect is associated with binge-eating behaviors in a heterogeneous help-seeking female adult sample. Specifically, we investigated the serial mediating role of general psychopathology and overconcern with body shape, while controlling for body mass index (BMI). One hundred and eight women ( M age = 25.83, SD = 4.98) accessing a public clinical service for eating difficulties completed a series of standardized questionnaires assessing childhood emotional neglect, general psychological symptoms, binge-eating behavior severity, and body image concerns. Additionally, a face-to-face diagnostic interview, the Eating Disorder Examination (EDE 17.0D ), was administered to assess the participants’ Feeding and Eating Disorders (FEDs) diagnoses. Results from serial mediation analyses indicated that emotional neglect was indirectly associated with binge-eating behaviors through the full mediation of psychopathological symptoms and body concerns. These findings highlight the transdiagnostic importance of addressing these underlying psychological mechanisms. Clinicians should integrate trauma-informed screening with targeted interventions addressing general distress, body dissatisfaction, and binge-eating behaviors across diverse diagnostic and clinical presentations.