Adverse Childhood Experiences and Binge Eating Disorder: Exploring the Role of Shame and Functions of Binge Eating

Binge eating disorder (BED) is a serious mental illness. This thesis focuses on the contributing and perpetuating factors in binge eating, particularly for those with a background of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). This thesis explores the role of shame in binge eating pathology, as well as a range of relatively novel functions, or motives, for binge eating. Results identified relationships between ACEs, types of shame, functions of binge eating, and severity of binge eating. These findings suggest the benefit of more nuanced, trauma-informed psychological treatments for individuals experiencing binge eating, where traditional psychological treatments lack efficacy.