Determining the relationship between anxiety levels, stress coping styles, and emotional eating of women in the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

PurposeThis study aimed to determine the relationship between women's anxiety levels and their style of coping with stress and emotional eating in the COVID-19 pandemic. MethodsThis is a cross-sectional study and data were collected using online surveys. The sample of the study consisted of 450 women between the ages of 18–65, who have no understanding and perception problems, and who are willing to participate in the study. The data were obtained using the “Introductory Information Form”, “Coronavirus Anxiety Scale”, “Stress Coping Styles Scale” and “Emotional Eating Scale”. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis were used to analyze the data. ResultsIncreased emotional eating was increased helpless approach, submissive approach and Coronavirus anxiety increase while decreasing the self-confident approach. Increased Coronavirus anxiety was increased the total scores of helpless approach, submissive approach, disinhibition, guilt, and emotional eating increased while decreasing the scores of the self-confident approach and optimistic approach. BMI, weight change in pandemic, age, self-confident approach to coping with stress and helpless approach score explained emotional eating 30.8 %. ConclusionConsidering the emotional eating score average (11-20), women were emotional eating, and their Coronavirus anxiety score was below the average. In minimizing emotional eating in women, first of all, emotional eating awareness should be created, and it is recommended to increase their awareness of stress coping styles for the stress that causes this situation.