Relationships between impulsivity, mindfulness and scores on the Eating Disorder Inventory (EDI-3) in an eating disorder sample

Mindfulness based techniques (MBTs) are an integral component of third generation therapies for eating disorders (EDs). MBTs show promise as an adjunct to therapy but few studies have examined the link between eating pathology, its correlates and trait mindfulness. Building on previous findings in a non-clinical population (Lattimore et al. (2011). Appetite , 56, 241–248.) we examined associations between mindfulness, impulsivity and eating pathology in a sample of eating disorder patients. We predicted that mindfulness would be negatively associated with, and impulsivity positively associated with features of eating pathology. Thirty-nine female out-patients (18–50 yrs; 14–33 kg/m 2 ) of an NHS EDs service completed the EDI-3, impulsivity (BIS-11) and mindfulness (FFMQ) questionnaires. The false discovery rate method was used to control Type 1 errors ( α ′ adjusted; r significant: p r : − 0.41 to −0.80) and the EDI Drive-for-Thinness scale ( r  = −0.39). Impulsivity was positively associated with similar aspects of the EDI-3 (Low Self Esteem, Interoceptive Difficulties, Emotional Dysregulation, and Maturity Fears; range of r : 0.39–0.58) and the EDI-Bulimia scale ( r  = 0.42). FFMQ acting-with-awareness was negatively correlated with BIS-11 attentional-impulsiveness ( r  = −0.76). Although small sample size restricts generalisation, mindfulness and impulsivity are predominately associated with psychological rather than core features of EDs regardless of diagnosis (especially, emotion regulation difficulties). Implications for assessment of impulsivity and use of MBTs to address psychological features of EDs are discussed in the context of third generation therapies.