The interplay between emotion dysregulation, psychological distress, emotional eating, and weight status: A path model

Abstract

Background/objectiveThe aim of the current cross-sectional study is to assess the relations between emotion dysregulation, psychological distress, emotional eating, and BMI in a sample of Italian young adults (20-35). MethodsA total sample of 600 participants frm the general population, were asked to fill in demographical and physical data, the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale, the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale, and the Emotional Eating subscale of the Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire via an online anonymous survey. Relations between variables have been inspected using a path model. ResultsResults showed that emotion dysregulation was a contributor to higher levels of psychological distress [b= 0.348; SE: 0.020; p=<0.001; 95% BC-CI (0.306–0.387)] and emotional eating [b= 0.010; SE: 0.002; p=<0.001; 95% BC-CI (0.006–0.014)] which in turn, was related to higher Body Mass Index [b= 0.0574; SE: 0.145; p=<0.001; 95% BC-CI (0.286–0.863)]. ConclusionsBy providing additional evidence concerning the role of emotion dysregulation for physical and psychological outcomes, the current study could inform for improving psychological interventions aimed to promote emotion regulation strategies aimed at fostering physical and psychological well-being.