Roles of Traumatic Childhood Experiences in Predicting Binge Eating Disorder Mediated by Early Maladaptive Schemas

Background and Objectives: The relatively high prevalence of binge eating disorder and its negative effects such as decreased quality of life and impaired individual and social functions have made this disorder an important issue in health systems of various countries, including Iran. The aim of this study was to investigate roles of traumatic childhood experiences in predicting binge eating disorder mediated by early maladaptive schemas. Materials & Methods: The present study was a correlational study. Statistical population of the study included men and women aged 23–65 years, who referred to health centers in Tehran as well as Internet users of these centers and their associated social media, 2019–2020. Totally, 409 people were selected using convenience sampling method. Bing eating scale, Yang's early maladaptive schemas questionnaire and childhood traumatic experiences checklist were used to collect data. Data analysis was carried out using SPSS Statistical Analysis Software v.25, AMOS Software v.24 and structural equation analysis. Results: Results showed that primary traumatic experiences with direct effect size of 0.19 and effect size of 0.23 due to early maladaptive schemas included significant effects on binge eating disorder ( p < 0.01). Conclusion: Results of this study demonstrated that prevention of traumatic childhood experiences and use of educational and therapeutic interventions based on schema therapy can decrease the rate of binge eating disorder and its negative effects.