Speed of Eating as a Determinant of the Bulimic Desire to Vomit

ABSTRACT

A single-case controlled study found that a bulimic's desire to vomit was virtually eliminated by slowed eating, but not by rapid eating. The present study attempted to determine whether this same relation was exhibited by a larger number (N = 6) of bulimics who were instructed to eat at a fast or a slow rate in a between-subjects reversal design. For all 6 participants, the urge to vomit was found to be greater during fast versus slow eating after comparable amounts of food intake. Clinically, these results suggest that eating slowly might be incorporated into treatment for bulimic vomiting.

KEYWORDS:

• Binge eating
• bulimia
• purging
• spaced eating
• taboo foods
• vomiting

The authors thank Michael J. Buermann, BS, for his help reviewing the article in preparation for submission for publication and statistical analysis. Michael is a doctoral student in clinical psychology at Nova Southeastern University, whose research interests include substance use, music and psychology, and behavioral medicine. He received his Bachelor's degree from the University of Central Missouri.

Notes

Note. The table shows the counterbalanced sequence of the fast versus slow eating conditions of 6 participants and in parentheses () is the vomiting urge level (0–10) for that condition at the end of the meal.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Nathan H. Azrin

Nathan H. Azrin, PhD, ABPP, is Professor, Nova Southeastern University, whose research has been concerned with developing new treatments for a variety of applied and clinical problems. He received his PhD in 1956 under B. F. Skinner at Harvard. Dr. Azrin is a past President of ABA, AABT, MPA, Div. 25 of APA, FABA, and Editor of JBAB and JABA.

Jeannie Brooks

Jeannie Brooks, MS, is a 5th-year doctoral student in clinical psychology at Nova Southeastern University, whose research interests have included eating disorders and the efficacy of treatment programs for perpetrators of domestic violence.

Michael J. Kellen

Michael J. Kellen, MS, is a doctoral student in clinical psychology at Nova Southeastern University, whose research interests include eating disorders and the treatment of perpetrators of domestic violence. He received his Bachelor's degree at the University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa.

Chris Ehle

Chris Ehle, MS, is a doctoral student in clinical psychology at Nova Southeastern University, whose research interests include ADHD and eating disorders.

Veronica Vinas

Veronica Vinas, MS, is a doctoral student in clinical psychology at Nova Southeastern University, whose research interests include ADHD and eating disorders.