A Path Analysis Linking Baseline Autonomic Tone to Bulimic Tendencies: The Statistical Mediating Role of Emotional Over-control and the Association With Body Mass Index

This study examined how baseline autonomic tone (resting skin conductance level, SCL) relates to emotional over-control and bulimic tendencies (i.e., binge eating propensity), as well as their cross-sectional correlation with body mass index (BMI). The Eating Disorder Inventory-3 (EDI-3) was used to assess emotional over-control (EDI-3-OC) and bulimic tendencies/binge eating propensity (EDI-3-B). Baseline autonomic tone was evaluated by measuring the logarithmic value of resting SCL (log-SCL). Body mass index (BMI) was calculated as an anthropometric correlate. By controlling for gender and age, the Path Analysis showed that baseline log-SCL was negatively associated with emotional over-control (EDI-3-OC) (B = −3.08; p = .05), which, in turn, was positively associated with bulimic tendencies (EDI-3-B) (B = 0.26; p < .001). Additionally, emotional over-control (EDI-3-OC) statistically mediated the association between baseline log-SCL and EDI-3-B (Sobel Z = −1.90; p = .05) (F = 8.80, p < .001, R2 = 0.40). Finally, EDI-3-B showed a positive cross-sectional association with BMI (B = 0.34; p < .001) (F = 13.63, p < .001, R2 = 0.37). Our findings reveal statistical associations linking baseline autonomic hypoarousal, emotional over-control, and bulimic tendencies in university students. These cross-sectional patterns highlight the interplay between physiological baseline states and cognitive over-control, though longitudinal and experimental stress paradigms are required to establish temporal causality.