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RESEARCH PRODUCT

The association among interpersonal problems, binge behaviors, and self-esteem, in the assessment of obese individuals

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Abstract Objectives Although disordered eating has been assumed to be associated with interpersonal problems, there is a lack of research regarding the relationship between interpersonal problems and obesity. This study explored associations among self-esteem, binge behaviors, and interpersonal problems in obese individuals, by contrasting obese persons with overweight persons, and to investigate whether body mass index (BMI), binge behaviors, and self-esteem predict interpersonal problems in obese individuals. Methods A group of nonobese overweight people (n = 65; BMI range, 25-29.9 kg/m 2 ) and a group of obese people (n = 78; BMI >35 kg/m 2 ) were selected from 224 people attending a mental health care service specializing in eating disorders in Palermo (Italy). Seventy-eight percent of participants were female. All participants filled in the following measures: the Inventory of Interpersonal problems–short version, the Binge Eating Scale, and the Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale. Results The findings showed that 4 domains of interpersonal problems were associated with binge behaviors and self-esteem in obese participants. Moreover, the relationship between binge behaviors and interpersonal problems was partially mediated by self-esteem. Conclusions Given the poor prognosis for the long-term management of obesity, it could be important for clinicians to carefully assess patients' interpersonal functioning and its relationship to self-esteem and binge behaviors, especially with respect to treatment-seeking obese patients.