Jennifer Slane - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Jennifer Slane

Research paper thumbnail of Genetics of eating disorders

Research paper thumbnail of Eating Behaviors: Prevalence, Psychiatric Comorbidity, and Associations With Body Mass Index Among Male and Female Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans

Military medicine, 2016

There is a dearth of research examining eating behaviors, such as binge eating, among male and fe... more There is a dearth of research examining eating behaviors, such as binge eating, among male and female veterans. The present study evaluated the prevalence of self-reported eating problems as well as associations with body mass index and psychiatric disorders among male and female Iraq and Afghanistan veterans. Participants were 298 male and 364 female veterans (M = 33.3 ± 10.6 years old) from the Women Veterans Cohort Study, a study of male and female veterans enrolled for Veterans Affairs care in New England or Indiana. Veterans self-reported on emotion- and stress-related eating, eating disorder diagnoses, and disordered eating behaviors. Diagnoses of post-traumatic stress disorder, major depressive disorder, and alcohol abuse were obtained from administrative records. Female veterans reported higher rates of eating problems than did their male counterparts. Women and men who engage in disordered eating had higher rates of post-traumatic stress disorder and major depressive disord...

Research paper thumbnail of Interpersonal dysfunction and affect-regulation difficulties in disordered eating among men and women

Eating behaviors, 2014

Although several studies suggest that negative affect and interpersonal problems serve as importa... more Although several studies suggest that negative affect and interpersonal problems serve as important contributors for eating-related problems, much of this research has been conducted among women and less is known about their roles in precipitating and maintaining eating problems among men. Previous studies with undergraduate men suggest that difficulties in emotion regulation are associated with disordered eating even after controlling for differences in body mass index (BMI) and negative affect. The present study sought to replicate these findings and extend them to assess any unique variance explained by problems in interpersonal functioning among both men and women. Participants were men (n=213) and women (n=521) undergraduates at a large Midwestern university who completed a demographic information form, the Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire (EDE-Q), the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, and the Inventory of Inter...

Research paper thumbnail of Predictors of First Entry Into Treatment in a Longitudinal High-Risk Sample

Research paper thumbnail of The effects of puberty on genetic risk for disordered eating: evidence for a sex difference

Psychological Medicine, 2011

BackgroundDifferences in genetic influences on disordered eating are present across puberty in gi... more BackgroundDifferences in genetic influences on disordered eating are present across puberty in girls. Heritability is 0% before puberty, but over 50% during and after puberty. Emerging data suggest that these developmental differences may be due to pubertal increases in ovarian hormones. However, a critical piece of evidence is lacking, namely, knowledge of genetic influences on disordered eating across puberty in boys. Boys do not experience increases in ovarian hormones during puberty. Thus, if pubertal increases in genetic effects are present in boys, then factors in addition to ovarian hormones may drive increases in heritability in girls. The current study was the first to examine this possibility in a sample of 1006 male and female twins from the Michigan State University Twin Registry.MethodDisordered eating was assessed with the Minnesota Eating Behavior Survey. Pubertal development was assessed with the Pubertal Development Scale.ResultsNo significant differences in genetic...

Research paper thumbnail of Sleep problems and temperament in adolescents

Child: Care, Health and Development, 2010

The aim of this study was to determine the association between temperament and sleep in adolescen... more The aim of this study was to determine the association between temperament and sleep in adolescents. Participants included 516 adolescents and their mothers drawn from the community. Findings indicated that as with younger children, sleep and dimensions of temperament (sociability, impulsivity, and negative affect) are related in adolescents.

Research paper thumbnail of Genetic and environmental influences on sleep problems: a study of preadolescent and adolescent twins

Child: Care, Health and Development, 2011

Background/ Aim-The aim of this study was to examine the extent to which additive genetic, shared... more Background/ Aim-The aim of this study was to examine the extent to which additive genetic, shared environmental, and non-shared environmental factors contribute to adolescent and preadolescent sleep problems. Methods-The sample consisted of a cohort of 270 monozygotic and 246 dizygotic twins from a university-based twin registry. Results-Results demonstrated that genetic and environmental influences each appear to be important to adolescent sleep problems. Conclusions-While the magnitude of genetic influence on sleep problems was consistent with findings from the adult literature, it was smaller than in studies with younger children, suggesting genetic effects may be less influential in adolescence and adulthood.

Research paper thumbnail of The Dysregulated Cluster in Personality Profiling Research: Longitudinal Stability and Associations With Bulimic Behaviors and Correlates

Journal of Personality Disorders, 2013

Among cluster analytic studies of the personality profiles associated with bulimia nervosa, a gro... more Among cluster analytic studies of the personality profiles associated with bulimia nervosa, a group of individuals characterized by emotional lability and behavioral dysregulation (i.e., a dysregulated cluster) has emerged most consistently. However, previous studies have all been cross-sectional and mostly used clinical samples. This study aimed to replicate associations between the dysregulated personality cluster and bulimic symptoms and related characteristics using a longitudinal, population-based sample. Participants were females assessed at ages 17 and 25 from the Minnesota Twin Family Study, clustered based on their personality traits. The Dysregulated cluster was successfully identified at both time points and was more stable across time than either the Resilient or Sensation Seeking clusters. Rates of bulimic symptoms and related behaviors (e.g., alcohol use problems) were also highest in the dysregulated group. Findings suggest that the dysregulated cluster is a relatively stable and robust profile that is associated with bulimic symptoms.

Research paper thumbnail of Bupropion and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Weight-Concerned Women Smokers

Archives of Internal Medicine, 2010

Background : We previously documented that cognitive behavioral therapy for smoking-related weigh... more Background : We previously documented that cognitive behavioral therapy for smoking-related weight concerns (CONCERNS) improves cessation rates. However, the efficacy of combining CONCERNS with cessation medication is unknown. We sought to determine if the combination of CONCERNS and bupropion therapy would enhance abstinence for weight-concerned women smokers.

Research paper thumbnail of Predictors of First Entry Into Treatment in a Longitudinal High-Risk Sample

Research paper thumbnail of Genetics of eating disorders

Objectives of review. This review summarizes twin and genetic studies of eating disorders (EDs) p... more Objectives of review. This review summarizes twin and genetic studies of eating disorders (EDs) published in 2005 and 2006. Summary of recent findings. Twin studies highlight important gender differences in genetic liability to ED symptoms and possible shared genetic transmission between EDs and anxiety disorders. Association and linkage analyses have suggested the presence of distinct genetic risk factors for anorexia

Research paper thumbnail of Association of Restraint and Disinhibition to Gestational Weight Gain among Pregnant Former Smokers

Women's Health Issues, 2015

Gaining excessive weight during pregnancy is associated with immediate maternal and fetal complic... more Gaining excessive weight during pregnancy is associated with immediate maternal and fetal complications as well as longer term obesity. Prepregnancy body mass index, age, and smoking cessation have been related to gestational weight gain (GWG); however, less is known about how eating behaviors, that may be amenable to modification and have been related to weight gain outside of pregnancy, affect GWG. The present study evaluated the relationship of dietary restraint and disinhibition to GWG in a sample of women (n = 248) who quit smoking before or early in pregnancy. Women self-reported height and prepregnancy weight during their third trimester. GWG was calculated by subtracting prepregnancy weight from third trimester weight. The Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire assessed restraint and disinhibition. Average GWG was 14.60 (±7.64) kg and 47% of women had a GWG greater than the Institute of Medicine recommendations. Linear regression models were used to examine restraint and disinhibition as correlates of GWG, and multinomial logistic regressions were utilized to determine whether eating behaviors were associated with inadequate or excessive GWG. Restraint was associated positively with total GWG, but disinhibition was not associated with GWG. Thus, conscious attempts to restrict intake were associated with GWG beyond the influence of covariates. These findings highlight the potential influence of modifiable eating behaviors on GWG and demonstrate the need for additional research to determine how these behaviors relate to GWG over the course of pregnancy.

Research paper thumbnail of Developmental trajectories of disordered eating from early adolescence to young adulthood: a longitudinal study

The International journal of eating disorders, 2014

Research examining changes in eating disorder symptoms across adolescence suggests an increase in... more Research examining changes in eating disorder symptoms across adolescence suggests an increase in disordered eating from early to late adolescence. However, relevant studies have largely been cross-sectional in nature and most have not examined the changes in the attitudinal symptoms of eating disorders (e.g., weight concerns). This longitudinal study aimed to address gaps in the available data by examining the developmental trajectories of disordered eating in females from preadolescence into young adulthood. Participants were 745 same-sex female twins from the Minnesota Twin Family Study. Disordered eating was assessed using the Total Score, Body Dissatisfaction subscale, Weight Preoccupation subscale, and a combined Binge Eating and Compensatory Behavior subscale from the Minnesota Eating Behavior Survey assessed at the ages of 11, 14, 18, 21, and 25. Several latent growth models were fit to the data to identify the trajectory that most accurately captures the changes in disorder...

Research paper thumbnail of Genetic and environmental influences on disordered eating and depressive symptoms

International Journal of Eating Disorders, 2010

Twin studies indicate significant genetic, but little shared environmental, influences on eating ... more Twin studies indicate significant genetic, but little shared environmental, influences on eating disorders. However, critics argue that study limitations constrain the conclusions that can be drawn. Adoption studies avoid many of these limitations, but to date, no adoption studies of eating pathology have been conducted. The current study was the first adoption study to examine genetic/ environmental effects for disordered eating. Participants included 123 adopted and 56 biological female sibling pairs. Disordered eating (i.e., overall eating pathology, body dissatisfaction, weight preoccupation, binge eating) was assessed using the Minnesota Eating Behaviors Survey. Biometric model-fitting indicated significant genetic influences (59-82%) on all forms of disordered eating, with nonshared environmental factors accounting for the remaining variance. Shared environmental factors did not contribute significantly to any disordered eating symptom. Our findings bolster those from twin studies and provide critical evidence of significant genetic effects on disordered eating symptoms.

Research paper thumbnail of The road less traveled: Associations between externalizing behaviors and eating pathology

International Journal of Eating Disorders, 2009

Objective: Few studies have examined associations between externalizing behaviors and eating diso... more 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.

Research paper thumbnail of Genetic and Environmental Factors Underlying Comorbid Bulimic Behaviours and Alcohol Use Disorders: A Moderating Role for the Dysregulated Personality Cluster?

European Eating Disorders Review, 2014

Women with bulimia nervosa (BN) frequently have co-occurring alcohol use disorders (AUDs). Studie... more Women with bulimia nervosa (BN) frequently have co-occurring alcohol use disorders (AUDs). Studies of shared genetic transmission of these disorders have been mixed. Personality heterogeneity among individuals with BN may explain discrepant findings. Cluster analysis has characterized women with BN in groups on the basis of personality profiles. One group, the Dysregulated cluster, characterized largely by behavioural disinhibition and emotional dysregulation may be more closely linked etiologically to AUDs. This study examined whether genetic associations between BN and AUDs are the strongest among the Dysregulated cluster. Symptoms of BN and AUDs were assessed in female twins at ages 17 and 25 years from the Minnesota Twin Family Study. Personality clusters were defined using the Multidimensional Personality Questionnaire. Twin moderation models suggested small-to-moderate common genetic transmission between BN and AUDs. However, shared genetic effects did not differ by personality cluster. Findings suggest that personality clusters are unlikely to account for inconsistent findings regarding their shared aetiology.

Research paper thumbnail of Personality clusters and family relationships in women with disordered eating symptoms

Eating Behaviors, 2013

Personality clusters in women with eating disorders predict important clinical variables (e.g., s... more Personality clusters in women with eating disorders predict important clinical variables (e.g., social functioning) better than eating disorder diagnoses. However, it is unknown whether these findings generalize to samples with subclinical pathology. Further, little is known about associations between personality clusters and family relationships. This study sought to address these limitations by replicating personality clusters in a college sample of women with disordered eating symptoms Based on reported symptoms, women were divided into a restricting, binging and purging, or control (i.e., symptom free) group. Participants completed measures of personality, social functioning, and family relationships. Cluster analyses suggested three personality groups (i.e., Adaptive, Rigid, Dysregulated) which corresponded to those identified previously in clinical samples. Personality clusters, and not disordered eating groups, significantly predicted social functioning, and these clusters were differentially associated with family conflict type. Meaningful personality clusters are present in subclinical populations and have clinical utility in predicting social functioning and family relationships.

Research paper thumbnail of Negative affect as a mediator of the relationship between weight-based teasing and binge eating in adolescent girls

Eating Behaviors, 2008

Previous research has established a link between weight-based teasing and binge eating, though th... more Previous research has established a link between weight-based teasing and binge eating, though the precise mechanisms that drive this relationship remain unknown. This study examined negative affect as a mediator of the relationship between weight-based teasing and binge eating. Participants included 265 adolescent female twins (aged 10-15 years). Self-report measures assessed binge eating, weightbased teasing, and negative affect. Mediation was tested within hierarchical linear models to control for the non-independence of the twin data. Significant positive associations were observed between binge eating, teasing, and negative affect. In the regression analyses, negative affect partially mediated associations between weight-based teasing and binge eating. Results suggest that increases in negative affect are one way in which weight-based teasing leads to binge eating in girls. Future studies should examine additional mediators and assess possible clinical applications of these findings.

Research paper thumbnail of Sex differences in the genetic and environmental influences on the development of antisocial behavior

Development and Psychopathology, 2002

Knowing the extent to which genetic and environmental factors influence percent body fatness (%Fa... more Knowing the extent to which genetic and environmental factors influence percent body fatness (%Fat) and physical activity (PA) would be beneficial, since both are tightly correlated with future health outcomes. Thus, the purpose was to evaluate sex differences in genetic and environmental influences on %Fat and physical activity behavior in male and female adolescent twins. Methods: Subjects were adolescent (age range 8.3 to 16.6 yr) twins. %Fat (n = 518 twins) was assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and PA (n = 296 twins) was measured using 3-Day PA Recall. Each activity was converted to total MET-minutes. Univariate twin models were used to examine sex differences in genetic and environmental factors influencing %Fat and PA. Results: %Fat was influenced by genetic effects in both boys and girls (88% and 90%, respectively), with slightly higher heritability estimates for girls. PA was influenced solely by environmental effects for both sexes with higher shared environmental influences in boys (66%) and higher nonshared effects in girls (67%).

Research paper thumbnail of ETIOLOGIC RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN ANXIETY AND DIMENSIONS OF MALADAPTIVE PERFECTIONISMIN YOUNG ADULT FEMALE TWINS

Depression and Anxiety, 2012

Background: Theory and research suggest that maladaptive perfectionism, specifically, concerns ab... more Background: Theory and research suggest that maladaptive perfectionism, specifically, concerns about mistakes (CM) and doubts about actions (DA), may be important etiologic and maintenance mechanisms for anxiety and its disorders. However, no studies speaking directly to the origins of the relationship, i.e. what etiologic factors underlie the phenotypic association between anxiety and maladaptive perfectionism, exist. The current study aimed to address this gap in the literature by exploring genetic and environmental relationships between anxiety symptoms and maladaptive perfectionism. Methods: The sample consisted of 292 young adult same-sex female twins from the Michigan State University Twin Registry. Anxiety symptoms were assessed by the State Trait Anxiety Inventory-Trait version and an anxiety problems scale derived from the Young Adult Self Report. Maladaptive perfectionism was measured using the CM and DA subscales of the Frost Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale. Results: Anxiety and maladaptive perfectionism were both moderately heritable, with estimates ranging from. 45 to .66. Moreover, multivariate analyses revealed that genetic factors were primarily responsible for associations between anxiety and maladaptive perfectionism (r g 5 .59-.88). Conclusions: This is the first study to demonstrate the role of genetic factors in the relationship between anxiety and maladaptive perfectionism. Future studies are needed to uncover the specific biologic and genetic factors that contribute to this relationship and to evaluate whether maladaptive perfectionism represents an r r r r 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Research paper thumbnail of Genetics of eating disorders

Research paper thumbnail of Eating Behaviors: Prevalence, Psychiatric Comorbidity, and Associations With Body Mass Index Among Male and Female Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans

Military medicine, 2016

There is a dearth of research examining eating behaviors, such as binge eating, among male and fe... more There is a dearth of research examining eating behaviors, such as binge eating, among male and female veterans. The present study evaluated the prevalence of self-reported eating problems as well as associations with body mass index and psychiatric disorders among male and female Iraq and Afghanistan veterans. Participants were 298 male and 364 female veterans (M = 33.3 ± 10.6 years old) from the Women Veterans Cohort Study, a study of male and female veterans enrolled for Veterans Affairs care in New England or Indiana. Veterans self-reported on emotion- and stress-related eating, eating disorder diagnoses, and disordered eating behaviors. Diagnoses of post-traumatic stress disorder, major depressive disorder, and alcohol abuse were obtained from administrative records. Female veterans reported higher rates of eating problems than did their male counterparts. Women and men who engage in disordered eating had higher rates of post-traumatic stress disorder and major depressive disord...

Research paper thumbnail of Interpersonal dysfunction and affect-regulation difficulties in disordered eating among men and women

Eating behaviors, 2014

Although several studies suggest that negative affect and interpersonal problems serve as importa... more Although several studies suggest that negative affect and interpersonal problems serve as important contributors for eating-related problems, much of this research has been conducted among women and less is known about their roles in precipitating and maintaining eating problems among men. Previous studies with undergraduate men suggest that difficulties in emotion regulation are associated with disordered eating even after controlling for differences in body mass index (BMI) and negative affect. The present study sought to replicate these findings and extend them to assess any unique variance explained by problems in interpersonal functioning among both men and women. Participants were men (n=213) and women (n=521) undergraduates at a large Midwestern university who completed a demographic information form, the Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire (EDE-Q), the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, and the Inventory of Inter...

Research paper thumbnail of Predictors of First Entry Into Treatment in a Longitudinal High-Risk Sample

Research paper thumbnail of The effects of puberty on genetic risk for disordered eating: evidence for a sex difference

Psychological Medicine, 2011

BackgroundDifferences in genetic influences on disordered eating are present across puberty in gi... more BackgroundDifferences in genetic influences on disordered eating are present across puberty in girls. Heritability is 0% before puberty, but over 50% during and after puberty. Emerging data suggest that these developmental differences may be due to pubertal increases in ovarian hormones. However, a critical piece of evidence is lacking, namely, knowledge of genetic influences on disordered eating across puberty in boys. Boys do not experience increases in ovarian hormones during puberty. Thus, if pubertal increases in genetic effects are present in boys, then factors in addition to ovarian hormones may drive increases in heritability in girls. The current study was the first to examine this possibility in a sample of 1006 male and female twins from the Michigan State University Twin Registry.MethodDisordered eating was assessed with the Minnesota Eating Behavior Survey. Pubertal development was assessed with the Pubertal Development Scale.ResultsNo significant differences in genetic...

Research paper thumbnail of Sleep problems and temperament in adolescents

Child: Care, Health and Development, 2010

The aim of this study was to determine the association between temperament and sleep in adolescen... more The aim of this study was to determine the association between temperament and sleep in adolescents. Participants included 516 adolescents and their mothers drawn from the community. Findings indicated that as with younger children, sleep and dimensions of temperament (sociability, impulsivity, and negative affect) are related in adolescents.

Research paper thumbnail of Genetic and environmental influences on sleep problems: a study of preadolescent and adolescent twins

Child: Care, Health and Development, 2011

Background/ Aim-The aim of this study was to examine the extent to which additive genetic, shared... more Background/ Aim-The aim of this study was to examine the extent to which additive genetic, shared environmental, and non-shared environmental factors contribute to adolescent and preadolescent sleep problems. Methods-The sample consisted of a cohort of 270 monozygotic and 246 dizygotic twins from a university-based twin registry. Results-Results demonstrated that genetic and environmental influences each appear to be important to adolescent sleep problems. Conclusions-While the magnitude of genetic influence on sleep problems was consistent with findings from the adult literature, it was smaller than in studies with younger children, suggesting genetic effects may be less influential in adolescence and adulthood.

Research paper thumbnail of The Dysregulated Cluster in Personality Profiling Research: Longitudinal Stability and Associations With Bulimic Behaviors and Correlates

Journal of Personality Disorders, 2013

Among cluster analytic studies of the personality profiles associated with bulimia nervosa, a gro... more Among cluster analytic studies of the personality profiles associated with bulimia nervosa, a group of individuals characterized by emotional lability and behavioral dysregulation (i.e., a dysregulated cluster) has emerged most consistently. However, previous studies have all been cross-sectional and mostly used clinical samples. This study aimed to replicate associations between the dysregulated personality cluster and bulimic symptoms and related characteristics using a longitudinal, population-based sample. Participants were females assessed at ages 17 and 25 from the Minnesota Twin Family Study, clustered based on their personality traits. The Dysregulated cluster was successfully identified at both time points and was more stable across time than either the Resilient or Sensation Seeking clusters. Rates of bulimic symptoms and related behaviors (e.g., alcohol use problems) were also highest in the dysregulated group. Findings suggest that the dysregulated cluster is a relatively stable and robust profile that is associated with bulimic symptoms.

Research paper thumbnail of Bupropion and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Weight-Concerned Women Smokers

Archives of Internal Medicine, 2010

Background : We previously documented that cognitive behavioral therapy for smoking-related weigh... more Background : We previously documented that cognitive behavioral therapy for smoking-related weight concerns (CONCERNS) improves cessation rates. However, the efficacy of combining CONCERNS with cessation medication is unknown. We sought to determine if the combination of CONCERNS and bupropion therapy would enhance abstinence for weight-concerned women smokers.

Research paper thumbnail of Predictors of First Entry Into Treatment in a Longitudinal High-Risk Sample

Research paper thumbnail of Genetics of eating disorders

Objectives of review. This review summarizes twin and genetic studies of eating disorders (EDs) p... more Objectives of review. This review summarizes twin and genetic studies of eating disorders (EDs) published in 2005 and 2006. Summary of recent findings. Twin studies highlight important gender differences in genetic liability to ED symptoms and possible shared genetic transmission between EDs and anxiety disorders. Association and linkage analyses have suggested the presence of distinct genetic risk factors for anorexia

Research paper thumbnail of Association of Restraint and Disinhibition to Gestational Weight Gain among Pregnant Former Smokers

Women's Health Issues, 2015

Gaining excessive weight during pregnancy is associated with immediate maternal and fetal complic... more Gaining excessive weight during pregnancy is associated with immediate maternal and fetal complications as well as longer term obesity. Prepregnancy body mass index, age, and smoking cessation have been related to gestational weight gain (GWG); however, less is known about how eating behaviors, that may be amenable to modification and have been related to weight gain outside of pregnancy, affect GWG. The present study evaluated the relationship of dietary restraint and disinhibition to GWG in a sample of women (n = 248) who quit smoking before or early in pregnancy. Women self-reported height and prepregnancy weight during their third trimester. GWG was calculated by subtracting prepregnancy weight from third trimester weight. The Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire assessed restraint and disinhibition. Average GWG was 14.60 (±7.64) kg and 47% of women had a GWG greater than the Institute of Medicine recommendations. Linear regression models were used to examine restraint and disinhibition as correlates of GWG, and multinomial logistic regressions were utilized to determine whether eating behaviors were associated with inadequate or excessive GWG. Restraint was associated positively with total GWG, but disinhibition was not associated with GWG. Thus, conscious attempts to restrict intake were associated with GWG beyond the influence of covariates. These findings highlight the potential influence of modifiable eating behaviors on GWG and demonstrate the need for additional research to determine how these behaviors relate to GWG over the course of pregnancy.

Research paper thumbnail of Developmental trajectories of disordered eating from early adolescence to young adulthood: a longitudinal study

The International journal of eating disorders, 2014

Research examining changes in eating disorder symptoms across adolescence suggests an increase in... more Research examining changes in eating disorder symptoms across adolescence suggests an increase in disordered eating from early to late adolescence. However, relevant studies have largely been cross-sectional in nature and most have not examined the changes in the attitudinal symptoms of eating disorders (e.g., weight concerns). This longitudinal study aimed to address gaps in the available data by examining the developmental trajectories of disordered eating in females from preadolescence into young adulthood. Participants were 745 same-sex female twins from the Minnesota Twin Family Study. Disordered eating was assessed using the Total Score, Body Dissatisfaction subscale, Weight Preoccupation subscale, and a combined Binge Eating and Compensatory Behavior subscale from the Minnesota Eating Behavior Survey assessed at the ages of 11, 14, 18, 21, and 25. Several latent growth models were fit to the data to identify the trajectory that most accurately captures the changes in disorder...

Research paper thumbnail of Genetic and environmental influences on disordered eating and depressive symptoms

International Journal of Eating Disorders, 2010

Twin studies indicate significant genetic, but little shared environmental, influences on eating ... more Twin studies indicate significant genetic, but little shared environmental, influences on eating disorders. However, critics argue that study limitations constrain the conclusions that can be drawn. Adoption studies avoid many of these limitations, but to date, no adoption studies of eating pathology have been conducted. The current study was the first adoption study to examine genetic/ environmental effects for disordered eating. Participants included 123 adopted and 56 biological female sibling pairs. Disordered eating (i.e., overall eating pathology, body dissatisfaction, weight preoccupation, binge eating) was assessed using the Minnesota Eating Behaviors Survey. Biometric model-fitting indicated significant genetic influences (59-82%) on all forms of disordered eating, with nonshared environmental factors accounting for the remaining variance. Shared environmental factors did not contribute significantly to any disordered eating symptom. Our findings bolster those from twin studies and provide critical evidence of significant genetic effects on disordered eating symptoms.

Research paper thumbnail of The road less traveled: Associations between externalizing behaviors and eating pathology

International Journal of Eating Disorders, 2009

Objective: Few studies have examined associations between externalizing behaviors and eating diso... more 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.

Research paper thumbnail of Genetic and Environmental Factors Underlying Comorbid Bulimic Behaviours and Alcohol Use Disorders: A Moderating Role for the Dysregulated Personality Cluster?

European Eating Disorders Review, 2014

Women with bulimia nervosa (BN) frequently have co-occurring alcohol use disorders (AUDs). Studie... more Women with bulimia nervosa (BN) frequently have co-occurring alcohol use disorders (AUDs). Studies of shared genetic transmission of these disorders have been mixed. Personality heterogeneity among individuals with BN may explain discrepant findings. Cluster analysis has characterized women with BN in groups on the basis of personality profiles. One group, the Dysregulated cluster, characterized largely by behavioural disinhibition and emotional dysregulation may be more closely linked etiologically to AUDs. This study examined whether genetic associations between BN and AUDs are the strongest among the Dysregulated cluster. Symptoms of BN and AUDs were assessed in female twins at ages 17 and 25 years from the Minnesota Twin Family Study. Personality clusters were defined using the Multidimensional Personality Questionnaire. Twin moderation models suggested small-to-moderate common genetic transmission between BN and AUDs. However, shared genetic effects did not differ by personality cluster. Findings suggest that personality clusters are unlikely to account for inconsistent findings regarding their shared aetiology.

Research paper thumbnail of Personality clusters and family relationships in women with disordered eating symptoms

Eating Behaviors, 2013

Personality clusters in women with eating disorders predict important clinical variables (e.g., s... more Personality clusters in women with eating disorders predict important clinical variables (e.g., social functioning) better than eating disorder diagnoses. However, it is unknown whether these findings generalize to samples with subclinical pathology. Further, little is known about associations between personality clusters and family relationships. This study sought to address these limitations by replicating personality clusters in a college sample of women with disordered eating symptoms Based on reported symptoms, women were divided into a restricting, binging and purging, or control (i.e., symptom free) group. Participants completed measures of personality, social functioning, and family relationships. Cluster analyses suggested three personality groups (i.e., Adaptive, Rigid, Dysregulated) which corresponded to those identified previously in clinical samples. Personality clusters, and not disordered eating groups, significantly predicted social functioning, and these clusters were differentially associated with family conflict type. Meaningful personality clusters are present in subclinical populations and have clinical utility in predicting social functioning and family relationships.

Research paper thumbnail of Negative affect as a mediator of the relationship between weight-based teasing and binge eating in adolescent girls

Eating Behaviors, 2008

Previous research has established a link between weight-based teasing and binge eating, though th... more Previous research has established a link between weight-based teasing and binge eating, though the precise mechanisms that drive this relationship remain unknown. This study examined negative affect as a mediator of the relationship between weight-based teasing and binge eating. Participants included 265 adolescent female twins (aged 10-15 years). Self-report measures assessed binge eating, weightbased teasing, and negative affect. Mediation was tested within hierarchical linear models to control for the non-independence of the twin data. Significant positive associations were observed between binge eating, teasing, and negative affect. In the regression analyses, negative affect partially mediated associations between weight-based teasing and binge eating. Results suggest that increases in negative affect are one way in which weight-based teasing leads to binge eating in girls. Future studies should examine additional mediators and assess possible clinical applications of these findings.

Research paper thumbnail of Sex differences in the genetic and environmental influences on the development of antisocial behavior

Development and Psychopathology, 2002

Knowing the extent to which genetic and environmental factors influence percent body fatness (%Fa... more Knowing the extent to which genetic and environmental factors influence percent body fatness (%Fat) and physical activity (PA) would be beneficial, since both are tightly correlated with future health outcomes. Thus, the purpose was to evaluate sex differences in genetic and environmental influences on %Fat and physical activity behavior in male and female adolescent twins. Methods: Subjects were adolescent (age range 8.3 to 16.6 yr) twins. %Fat (n = 518 twins) was assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and PA (n = 296 twins) was measured using 3-Day PA Recall. Each activity was converted to total MET-minutes. Univariate twin models were used to examine sex differences in genetic and environmental factors influencing %Fat and PA. Results: %Fat was influenced by genetic effects in both boys and girls (88% and 90%, respectively), with slightly higher heritability estimates for girls. PA was influenced solely by environmental effects for both sexes with higher shared environmental influences in boys (66%) and higher nonshared effects in girls (67%).

Research paper thumbnail of ETIOLOGIC RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN ANXIETY AND DIMENSIONS OF MALADAPTIVE PERFECTIONISMIN YOUNG ADULT FEMALE TWINS

Depression and Anxiety, 2012

Background: Theory and research suggest that maladaptive perfectionism, specifically, concerns ab... more Background: Theory and research suggest that maladaptive perfectionism, specifically, concerns about mistakes (CM) and doubts about actions (DA), may be important etiologic and maintenance mechanisms for anxiety and its disorders. However, no studies speaking directly to the origins of the relationship, i.e. what etiologic factors underlie the phenotypic association between anxiety and maladaptive perfectionism, exist. The current study aimed to address this gap in the literature by exploring genetic and environmental relationships between anxiety symptoms and maladaptive perfectionism. Methods: The sample consisted of 292 young adult same-sex female twins from the Michigan State University Twin Registry. Anxiety symptoms were assessed by the State Trait Anxiety Inventory-Trait version and an anxiety problems scale derived from the Young Adult Self Report. Maladaptive perfectionism was measured using the CM and DA subscales of the Frost Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale. Results: Anxiety and maladaptive perfectionism were both moderately heritable, with estimates ranging from. 45 to .66. Moreover, multivariate analyses revealed that genetic factors were primarily responsible for associations between anxiety and maladaptive perfectionism (r g 5 .59-.88). Conclusions: This is the first study to demonstrate the role of genetic factors in the relationship between anxiety and maladaptive perfectionism. Future studies are needed to uncover the specific biologic and genetic factors that contribute to this relationship and to evaluate whether maladaptive perfectionism represents an r r r r 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.