Anna Grigorian, M.S.David Vest, B.A.

Mood & Food StatisticsMajor life events- from work stress to divorce- can trigger emotions

that lead to overeating. 62% of Americans say work has a significant impact on stress levels. 73% of Americans name money as the number one factor that affects their stress level.

Stress has not only been linked with increased food consumption in certain individuals but has also been reported to shift their food choices from lower fat to higher fat foods

Binge-eating is a pattern of disordered eating during which a person periodically is unable to exercise control over the consumption of food, usually in response to a stressful situation.

Between 2% and 5% of Americans experience binge-eating disorder in a 6-month period

Approximately 35% of people with binge-eating disorder are male.

Food as a source of securityErikson’s 1st Stage

Conflict: Trust vs. MistrustTask: To develop a sense that the world is “safe”

& “good”

Psychological Theme: Dependency on others to meet needsMother (food) is main source of meeting needs = security

Effects on Adulthood: Food represents comfort.

Food as a source of securityFreud’s Oral Stage

Physical Focus: Mouth/sucking (food) = pleasure

Psychological Theme: Dependency on others to meet needs If needs not fulfilled or over-fulfilled person becomes fixated in

this stage

Adulthood Tendencies : Dependency and passive character or complete independence and a demanding character. Preoccupation with oral activities. Predisposed to overeating.

Security and AttachmentAttachment …

is the “lasting psychological connectedness between human beings" (Bowlby, 1969)

serves to keep the infant close to the mother, thus improving the child's chances of survival

Security (via transitional object)A security object can give a child

both emotional and tangible comfort, especially during times of stress

A Kids’ Birthday Party

Freedom from Want (Thanksgiving Dinner)Norman Rockwell1943

Celebration of an Engagement in AlsaceFrederic-Theodore Lix1909

le

John and Jacqueline Kennedy wedding

Campbell’s Soup Can’s (detail)Andy Warhol1962

ResearchCurrent research is aimed at establishing

general links in to how emotional eating effects people and why it develops into pathology for some and not others

Recent research has discovered links between bulimic tendency and emotional eating

Emotional eating is cognitive, behavioral, and affective with emerging research suggesting that it is also cultural

The Cycle

Self-Help Do’sDo learn to recognize true hunger

Keep a log to track your triggers

Do look elsewhere for comfortTry an enjoyable activity- knitting, running, drawing, etc.Try a relaxation exercise when you’re stressed

Do snack healthyDon’t keep high calorie/sugary foods aroundDo eat a balanced diet

Do practice mindfulness

Mindfulness:A Closer Look

Drawn from Buddhist meditative traditionTherapy is generated internally with the clientThoughts are like leaves floating down a river

The client has the ability to look at each thought WITHOUT emotional charge or whether it is rational or irrational

Clients can pick and choose which thought to analyze and do so objectively not subjectively

Clients are encouraged to sit with each thought, analyzing it as much as possible so that the thought is understood and can appear with more or less frequency while understanding that thoughts are constantly moving and nothing more than just a thought

Outside HelpSeek a…M.D.

To rule out any medical problems

NutritionistTo plan a healthy diet with balanced meals

TherapistTo help you process and address personal root-causes of

overeating