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An innovative sampling method was used to compare normal-weight bulimic patients to normal controls on four dimensions: (1) overall moods, (2) extent of mood fluctuating, (3) degree of social isolation, and (4) extent of food-related behavior. In addition, a sequence analysis was conducted to explore the impact of binging and purging episodes on various affective states among the bulimics. Results indicated that the bulimics experienced significantly more dysphoric and fluctuating moods than normal controls and that they spent much more time alone and in food-related behavior than the control group. The discussion presents a hypothetical integration regarding the etiology and maintenance of the bulimic behavior based on the results of the data and post-trial interviews with the bulimic patients.
Johnson et al. (Wed,) studied this question.