Objective: Few studies have examined associations between externalizing behaviors and eating disorders in either sex. The current study investigated sex differences in associations between internalizing and externalizing symptoms and disordered eating.
Method: A sample of 541 men and women completed self-reported measures of disordered eating (e.g., binge eating), internalizing symptoms (e.g., anxiety), and externalizing behaviors (e.g., delinquency). Hierarchical linear modeling was used to examine sex differences in associations between these symptoms and disordered eating.
Results: Internalizing symptoms showed the strongest associations with disordered eating in both sexes. Hyperactivity and aggression were more strongly associated with disordered eating in men, whereas alcohol use was more strongly associated with disordered eating in women.
Discussion: Results indicated several sex similarities in associations between internalizing symptoms and disordered eating, but some important sex differences among externalizing behaviors. Externalizing behaviors may play a significant role in the development of disordered eating uniquely within men and women.