An Investigation into the Relationship between Adverse Childhood Experiences, Body Image Dissatisfaction and Binge Eating among Young Adults.

Abstract

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been widely recognised as early life stressors that can shape an individual’s psychological development and well-being. The present study aimed to explore how these early experiences are linked to body image dissatisfaction and binge eating behaviour among young adults, with a particular focus on understanding the underlying psychological pathway connecting these variables. Grounded in trauma-informed and cognitivebehavioural perspectives, the study proposed that negative perceptions about one’s body may act as a key mechanism through which early adversity influences maladaptive eating patterns. A cross-sectional correlational research design was employed, and data were collected from 200 college-going young adults in Jammu district using standardized self-report measures, including the Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire (ACE-Q), Body Dissatisfaction Scale, and Binge Eating Scale (BES). Statistical analyses, including Pearson’s correlation and regression analysis, were conducted using SPSS. The findings revealed significant positive relationships among all three variables. Higher levels of adverse childhood experiences were associated with greater body image dissatisfaction and increased binge eating behaviour. Additionally, body image dissatisfaction was found to significantly predict binge eating, suggesting its role as a proximal psychological factor. Regression analyses further indicated that ACEs significantly predicted body image dissatisfaction, while binge eating also emerged as a significant predictor of body image concerns. Overall, the results support a developmental pathway in which early adverse experiences contribute to negative self-perceptions, particularly related to the body, which in turn increase vulnerability to maladaptive coping strategies such as binge eating. These findings highlight the importance of addressing both early trauma and body image concerns in interventions aimed at reducing disordered eating behaviours. The study contributes to the growing body of trauma-informed research within the Indian context and underscores the need for early identification, prevention strategies, and therapeutic approaches that focus on self-concept, emotional regulation, and body acceptance among young adults.