Stigma control model of dysregulated eating: A momentary maintenance model of dysregulated eating among marginalized/stigmatized individuals

Stigma is a factor commonly experienced by marginalized groups that may serve as a maintenance factor for dysregulated eating. In the current paper, we propose a momentary maintenance model, grounded in previous theoretical and empirical research, termed the stigma control model of dysregulated eating. Our model proposes that momentary experiences of stigma lead to emotional distress, which in turn is associated with engagement in numerous maladaptive stigma management strategies intended to curb future stigma. These stigma management strategies, however, serve to increase emotional distress, which in turn promotes dysregulated eating. This model has applications for understanding the maintenance of dysregulated eating among marginalized groups, as well as implications for developing novel treatments and refining existing treatments for dysregulated eating. Future studies should use methods that capture momentary experiences to evaluate the proposed stigma control model of dysregulated eating.