Binge Eating and Binge Drinking Behaviors: individual differences in adolescents' identity styles

Considering the significant negative consequences that are directly related to binge eat and drink behaviors and, many studies have explored the reasons why adolescents engage in them. This study examines the differences in the development maintenance and co-occurrence of “binge” behaviors associated with adolescent’s identity style and the level of commitment. 1,400 Italian adolescents completed self-report measures assessing binge behaviors and identity styles. Overall, results show that diffused adolescents were more likely to be engaged in binge eating and binge drinking behaviors than others, validating that the achievement of a consolidated ego identity is important for enhancing well-being.