The treatment of bulimia (binge-eating and self-induced vomiting): A quasi-experimental investigation of the effects of stimulus narrowing, self-reinforcement and self-control relaxation

Previous research has suggested that inappropriate stimulus control and psychological stress may exercise functional control over eating disturbances such as binge-eating and self-induced vomiting (bulimia). This report is a single-case study of a 26-year-old bulimic female in which these factors were hypothesized to be functional elements. The intervention used a self-reinforcement program to establish appropriate stimulus control over proper nutritional habits (Stimulus Narrowing). Stimulus Narrowing was successfully implemented utilizing self-reinforcement, but Stimulus Narrowing did not reduce bulimia. Self-control relaxation was then implemented and was followed by an apparent reduction in the frequency of bulimic episodes. The results suggest that the “treatment package” of stimulus narrowing, self-reinforcement and self-control relaxation may be useful in the treatment of bulimia. Methodological and clinical implications are discussed and recommendations for future experimental-clinical research are offered.