Studies on the dispositional characteristics have
identified impulsivity trait as consistently associated with binge eating
(e.g. Benjamin & Wulfert, 2005; Kane, Loxton, Staiger, & Dawe, 2004;
Vitousek & Manke, 1994). Whiteside and Lynam (2001) conceptualized
impulsivity as characterized by four different indicators: urgency or the
tendency to act rashly in response to intense negative emotions; lack of
premeditation, that reflects the tendency to behave without a careful deliberation;
lack of perseverance, which refers to the inclination to be unable
to pursue goals with firmness and constancy; and sensation seeking.