The Weight of Shame – A Psychological Mediation Model between Internalized Binegativity and Binge Eating Behaviours

Scientific literature shows health disparities in disordered eating in bisexual people and consistent associations between minority stress and binge eating. This study aims to explore the mediating role of shame between internalized binegativity and binge eating. A survey was conducted involving 109 bisexual people (Mage = 24.94 years, 75.2% identifying as women, 86.2% of the sample cisgender) from the Italian context. Self-report questionnaires were administered regarding internalized binegativity, shame and binge eating. Data analyses were conducted including descriptive analyses, bivariate correlations and mediation analysis through PROCESS macro. Bivariate correlations confirmed significant associations between all main variables. Mediation analyses found an indirect effect of internalized binegativity on binge eating through shame (B = .217, BootSE = .066, 99% CI [.069, .413]). Shame significantly and fully mediated the relationship between internalized binegativity and binge eating behaviors. Increased shame resulting from internalized binegativity could be a possible clinical target for reducing binge eating. Preventing negative attitudes related to sexual orientation may help promote physical and mental health in bisexual people.