Abstract
Emotional Eating (EE) is defined as eating under the influence of negative emotions, and is associated with Eating Disorders, impulsivity, depression and weight gain. However, previous literature is not clear regarding how these variables explain EE. The present study aimed to identify predictors of EE and its relationship to impulsivity, depression, eating style, and weight status in young adults. Sex differences in eating style were examined, and differences in EE between obese/overweight and normal/underweight individuals were tested. Two-hundred college students completed online questionnaires assessing all variables. Low inhibitory control, depression symptoms, female sex, and higher body mass index significantly predicted scores on EE. Obese/overweight and female participants presented increased EE. Correlation analysis evidenced positive associations between EE, Uncontrolled Eating, body mass, and low inhibitory control. Results indicate that EE is related to psychological factors such as impulsivity and depression, and to biological factors, such as sex and body mass.
Highlights
Emotional Eating (EE) is a tendency to overeat under influence of negative emotions (Van Strien, Frijters, Bergers, & Defares, 1986)
In an attempt to regulate their emotions people who incur in EE behavior may use food to avoid or escape the experience of negative emotions and cognitions related to depression symptoms (Konttinen, Männistö, Sarlio-Lähteenkorva, Silventoinen, & Haukkala, 2010; Litwin, Goldbacher, Cardaciotto, & Gambrel, 2016)
Mean Body Mass Index (BMI) and Standard Deviation are shown on Table 1
Summary
Emotional Eating (EE) is a tendency to overeat under influence of negative emotions (Van Strien, Frijters, Bergers, & Defares, 1986). EE is a problematic behavior that has been associated with Eating Disorders, obesity and lesser effectiveness of weight loss programs (Braden et al, 2016; Koenders & Van Strien, 2011). Eating in the presence of negative emotions has been considered a mediator in the relationship between depression symptoms and weight gain (Lazarevich et al, 2016; Van Strien et al, 2016). Individuals with low inhibitory control tend to eat based on taste preference (despite nutritional value), food-related stimulation (e.g. watching someone eat), and negative emotional state (Jasinska et al, 2012). It is worth mentioning that these sex differences may reflect cultural norms that affect men and women differently, notably concerning body shape and body image (Nasser, 2009)
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