Abstract
This study aimed to verify a conceptual model of eating regulation based on the Self-Determination Theory. This model suggests that basic psychological needs satisfaction is related to general self-determined motivation and autonomous regulation toward eating, which in turn are associated with less disordered eating behaviors and attitudes and better satisfaction with life. Two hundred thirty-nine women without an eating disorder completed self-reported questionnaires. The hypothesized model was tested with a serial multiple mediation analysis using PROCESS macro. The overall indirect effect of basic psychological needs satisfaction on life satisfaction through the three mediators, i.e. general motivation, regulation of eating behaviors, and eating behaviors and attitudes, was significant. Results are coherent with the Self-Determination Theory and add to past research by suggesting that basic psychological needs satisfaction might be a key target when addressing women’s disordered eating behaviors and attitudes.
Highlights
This study aimed to verify a conceptual model of eating regulation based on the Self-Determination Theory
The present results are based on a general sample of women without an eating disorder, they are, in line with the eating disorder recovery literature, which suggests that patients who entered treatment with higher level of motivation to change, especially the intrinsic level of motivation, or who have a higher motivation during treatment, had favorable outcomes (Clausen et al, 2013; Vall & Wade, 2015)
The main contribution of the present study is the inclusion of basic psychological needs satisfaction as a precursor variable in the explanatory model of disordered eating behaviors and life satisfaction through the lens of SelfDetermination Theory (SDT)
Summary
This study aimed to verify a conceptual model of eating regulation based on the Self-Determination Theory. Relatedness refers to the desire to care for reciprocal self and others well-being, and the need to feel connected to others (Deci & Ryan, 2002) The satisfaction of these basic psychological needs significantly contributes to individuals’ self-determined motivation, which leads individuals to behave in accordance with their own values and goals (autonomous regulation), and experiences psychological well-being. As reviewed by Verstuyf et al (2012), general thwarting of the basic psychological needs seems to lead to need substitutes, such as endorsement of the thin ideal and body dissatisfaction, and to compensatory behaviors, such as rigid restrictive eating and/or excessive uncontrolled eating These results suggest that control over eating behaviors, body and weight could be a way to compensate underlying autonomy, competency and relatedness basic deficiencies (Deci & Ryan, 2000)
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