Maladaptive Eating Behavior in Individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder: How social factors can impact eating patterns

Background: The intricate interplay of social factors (loneliness, the need to belong, social connectiveness), and maladaptive eating patterns is still not entirely understood. Reduced social connectiveness may contribute to a greater prevalence of maladaptive eating patterns, especially in individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD). The current study aimed to explore these associations. Methods: In the current study N=62 women with BPD and N=47 healthy women completed the UCLA Loneliness Scale, the Need to Belong Scale, the revised Social Connectedness scale, and supplemental items of the Borderline Symptom List 23. Linear regression, group comparisons, and moderation analyses were performed to test within- and between-group associations. Results: The results revealed a significant positive association between loneliness as well as need to belong and maladaptive eating patterns. Conversely, a significant negative relationship emerged between social connectiveness and...Show moreBackground: The intricate interplay of social factors (loneliness, the need to belong, social connectiveness), and maladaptive eating patterns is still not entirely understood. Reduced social connectiveness may contribute to a greater prevalence of maladaptive eating patterns, especially in individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD). The current study aimed to explore these associations. Methods: In the current study N=62 women with BPD and N=47 healthy women completed the UCLA Loneliness Scale, the Need to Belong Scale, the revised Social Connectedness scale, and supplemental items of the Borderline Symptom List 23. Linear regression, group comparisons, and moderation analyses were performed to test within- and between-group associations. Results: The results revealed a significant positive association between loneliness as well as need to belong and maladaptive eating patterns. Conversely, a significant negative relationship emerged between social connectiveness and maladaptive eating patterns. Patients with BPD reported more loneliness, need to belong, and more maladaptive eating, while experiencing less social connectedness. At the same time, these associations were not significantly stronger in the BPD group than in the healthy group. Conclusion: These findings underscore that, in the whole group, experiences of loneliness, a heightened need to belong, and lower social connectiveness are linked to increased instances of maladaptive eating patterns. While social factors play a significant role in maladaptive eating patterns, the presence of BPD may not substantially alter these associations. More research including larger samples and prospective studies are needed in order to further clarify and understand the role of BPD in this context.Show less

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Maladaptive Eating Behavior in Individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder: How social factors can impact eating patterns