Psychological Interactions in Binge Eating Behaviors: Depression, Social Anxiety, and Loneliness Among Thai Female Students
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Abstract
Binge eating behaviors among university students represent a significant mental health concern, particularly in collectivistic cultures where Western frameworks may inadequately capture indigenous vulnerability mechanisms. This study examined synergistic psychological interactions underlying binge eating severity among Thai female university students. We investigated whether depression, social anxiety, and loneliness operate multiplicatively rather than additively within the Tripartite Vulnerability Framework. A cross-sectional survey assessed 1,250 Thai female university students aged 18-25 years using validated instruments. Multi-stage stratified sampling ensured a representative distribution across five universities and academic disciplines. Hierarchical multiple regression with three-way interaction analysis examined synergistic vulnerability patterns while controlling for demographic variables. Results demonstrated strong positive correlations between psychological vulnerabilities and binge eating severity: depression (r = .46), social anxiety (r = .41), and loneliness (r = .36). Combined psychological factors explained 36.7% additional variance beyond demographic controls. Three-way interaction effects (β = .23) confirmed synergistic mechanisms. Students experiencing all three vulnerabilities simultaneously (15.0% of the sample) showed elevated binge eating severity compared to those without vulnerabilities. Thai female university students demonstrate synergistic vulnerability patterns requiring culturally-adapted interventions targeting interconnected psychological mechanisms rather than isolated symptoms.
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