Feeding Styles Research Articles

Longitudinal association between self-compassion and intuitive eating: Testing emotion regulation and body image flexibility as mediating variables.

Growing evidence suggests that intuitive eating is associated with numerous positive mental health and well-being constructs. Understanding factors that predict intuitive eating is necessary for identifying practical targets to enhance this style of eating, yet research identifying such predictors is scarce. Self-compassion is one variable that could enhance intuitive eating because it involves the practice of healthy emotion regulation skills that may disrupt the tendency to turn to food to cope during distressing situations. The present study tested for a longitudinal association between self-compassion and intuitive eating. We also tested whether this association was mediated by indices of emotion regulation (i.e., global emotion regulation skill scores and body image flexibility). Adult women (n = 3039) were invited to completed study measures at baseline (T1), 4-month follow-up (T2), and 8-month follow-up (T3). Path analyses were computed to test hypothesized indirect effects. A direct path from T1 self-compassion to T3 intuitive eating emerged, such that higher self-compassion levels predicted increased intuitive eating over time. However, this association was not mediated by T2 emotion regulation skills nor body image flexibility. Findings suggest that self-compassion may facilitate an intuitive eating style, which does not appear to be explained by certain emotion regulation skills.

Is there an association between a plant-based eating pattern and clinical findings of a migraine headache?

The present study was conducted among Iranian individuals diagnosed with migraine headaches to investigate the association between plant-based eating patterns and the clinical features of a migraine headache. In total, 262 patients aged 20-50 years who were diagnosed with migraine headaches were included in the current cross-sectional study. Participants' dietary intake was assessed using a validated 168-item, semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Three versions of the plant-based diet index (PDI) comprising overall PDI, healthy PDI (hPDI), and unhealthy PDI (uPDI) were generated. Headache frequency, duration, and severity were assessed via a 30-day headache diary. Migraine-related disability was assessed with a validated version of the headache impact test (HIT-6) questionnaire. Serum nitric oxide (NO) was measured using the Griess method utilizing serum samples. After controlling for potential confounders, an increase in mean PDI score from 48.22 to 61.67 decreased the frequency of headaches by -2.95 (95% CI: 0.06, 0.53; ptrend = 0.005). PDI was inversely associated with serum levels of NO in those with the highest scores of PDI compared to those with the lowest scores after adjustment for confounders (β = -7.69; 95% CI: -14.68, -0.69; ptrend = 0.028). After adjustment for potential confounders, an increase in the mean hPDI score from 47.96 to 65.25 decreased serum levels of NO by -11.92 (95% CI: -19.74, -4.10; ptrend = 0.003). Our findings suggest that higher adherence to a plant-based eating style, as evidenced by higher PDI and hPDI values, was significantly associated with lower headache frequency and serum levels of NO.

P24-037-23 Feeding Styles of Caregivers of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder in Candaba and San Luis, Pampanga, Philippines

P24-037-23 Feeding Styles of Caregivers of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder in Candaba and San Luis, Pampanga, Philippines

Maternal feeding styles in infancy predict child body mass index z-scores at 72 months: findings from a cohort of Jamaican children.

To explore whether maternal feeding styles at 12 months predict child Body Mass Index (BMI) z-scores at 72 months and evaluate whether BMI z-scores at 18 months mediates the association. Data from 239 mother-child pairs participating in a parenting intervention were analyzed. Feeding information was ascertained at 12 months by questionnaire with feeding styles identified using factor analysis. Children's weight and length/height were measured at 18 and 72 months and BMI z-scores computed. Maternal sociodemographic data, depressive symptoms and language skills were obtained by questionnaire. Multilevel linear regression analysis was used to examine whether feeding styles predicted 72 month BMI z-scores. Complete case analysis was conducted and multiple imputation used to treat missing values of explanatory and outcome variables at 18 and 72 months. Mediational analysis was performed to assess the indirect effects of feeding styles on 72 month BMI z-scores via 18 month BMI z-scores. Restrictive feeding at age 12 months predicted higher 72 month BMI z-scores in both complete case analysis [β (95%CI): 0.19 (0.02, 0.37)] and multiple imputation [β (95%CI): 0.20 (0.02, 0.39)]. Uninvolved, forceful, indulgent and responsive feeding styles were not significant predictors of 72 month BMI z-scores. A significant indirect effect was observed between restrictive feeding and child BMI z-scores at 72 months via 18 month BMI z-scores [β (95% CI) 0.12 (0.03, 0.22)]. Restrictive feeding at 12 months was associated with higher BMI z-scores at 72 months and appeared to be mediated by BMI z-scores at 18 months.

The roles of child temperament, parent stress, and parenting style in family mealtimes

Family mealtimes are associated with benefits for children, including healthy eating, fewer behavior problems, and healthy psychological well-being. However, the interactions during family mealtimes, and the parent and child characteristics, which may affect both the family mealtime environment and the associated benefits in children are not fully understood. The goal of this study was to examine the role of child and parent characteristics on the family mealtime environment. We tested several mediation models to explain how child temperament (negative affectivity), parent stress, and the dimensions of parent feeding style (responsiveness and demandingness) interact and influence each other to impact the structure and quality of the mealtime environment. Parents (68 mothers; 82 fathers) of children between 2 and 6 years completed an online survey. Measures included the Children's Behavior Questionnaire, Perceived Stress Scale, Caregiver's Feeding Styles Questionnaire, and The Meals in Our Household Questionnaire. Child negative affectivity was associated with poorer mealtime quality and structure. These associations were mediated through parent responsiveness, but not demandingness. The role of demandingness in family mealtimes may depend on parent responsiveness. When examined together in a serial mediation model, child negative affectivity increased parent stress, which reduced responsiveness, and led to poorer mealtime quality and structure. These results emphasize the complex relationships between child temperament, parent stress, and the dimensions of parenting styles that occur within the mealtime context. This line of research is essential for understanding family mealtime dynamics and informing future studies aimed at creating positive interactions between parents and children during mealtimes.

Cheap gulp foraging of a giga-predator enables efficient exploitation of sparse prey.

The giant rorqual whales are believed to have a massive food turnover driven by a high-intake lunge feeding style aptly described as the world's largest biomechanical action. This high-drag feeding behavior is thought to limit dive times and constrain rorquals to target only the densest prey patches, making them vulnerable to disturbance and habitat change. Using biologging tags to estimate energy expenditure as a function of feeding rates on 23 humpback whales, we show that lunge feeding is energetically cheap. Such inexpensive foraging means that rorquals are flexible in the quality of prey patches they exploit and therefore more resilient to environmental fluctuations and disturbance. As a consequence, the food turnover and hence the ecological role of these marine giants have likely been overestimated.

Western Diet, as a vast Problem of the 21st Century

A typical Western diet consists of low amounts of fruits and vegetables and high amounts of fat and salt. This style of eating is quite common in America and Eastern Europe, including Georgia, and is taking on a global appearance. Among the causes of obesity, the Western eating style is on the first place, and therefore its prevention is gaining more and more importance. The above mentioned eating style consists of large portions of food, high calories and excess sugar. This excess sugar makes up more than 13% of daily calories, and beverages 47% of sugar. The Western diet is rich in trans fats, which increase the number of low-density lipoproteins that provoke atherosclerosis. The diet also damages the immune system, provokes inflammation and damages the gut microflora. Several studies in rodents and humans have found that Western-type dietary habits are associated with elevated serum inflammatory markers. It impairs epithelial barrier function in mice and increases susceptibility to chemically induced colitis. Experiments have shown that supplementation with vitamins A or D, fiber, or indol improves intestinal inflammation. Western-style nutrition leads to severe gastrointestinal dysbiosis, which is characterized by the proliferation of pathogens and the reduction or complete loss of bacteria included in the normal flora. An imbalance of the gut microbiome can lead to disruption of barrier integrity and the induction of systemic inflammatory processes. There is also a correlation between asthma and a Western-style diet.Most studies have shown that the proportion and number of neutrophils significantly higher in lung tissues of obese mice than in lean subjects. Regarding treatment, the drug metformin can reduce the symptoms of obesity-related asthma, while statins are most commonly prescribed orally for lipid-lowering therapy. Simvastatin can effectively improve airway inflammation and remodeling by regulating dyslipidemia and reducing leptin levels. The fight against obesity is much more than a public health challenge, so promoting a healthy lifestyle for the population and regulating the quality of nutrition should be the main task for countries, including Georgia.

Organic food as estimated by young consumers

The article analyzes the data obtained during a sociological study conducted in September-November 2022 on the analysis of the food market of agricultural organic products (on the example of the Sverdlovsk region).” The hypothesis of the connection of consumer preferences with the current ecological position and understanding of the importance of socially responsible behavior was confirmed. The key needs of young consumers that determine the choice of organic food products and their connection with the attitude to maintaining and strengthening health for a bright and interesting life are identified. The authors recorded the reasons for the respondents’ refusal to purchase organic products and the sensitivity of consumers to the increased cost of organic food products. The conclusion is made about the different patterns of consumer behavior of respondents in the segments of the organic food market and their connection with the dominant values and established eating habits. Three styles of consumer behavior are described: ecological, stereotypical, unstable. The ecological style is characterized by attitudes towards the use of healthy and environmentally friendly foods as factors in maintaining an active lifestyle and health. The stereotypical style of eating is characterized by: a strong influence of the environment on the choice of food and diet, low reflection on their own food practices, lack of sufficient knowledge and opportunities for the formation of a culture of nutrition and environmental awareness. Unstable eating style is associated with contradictory attitudes and ambivalent food practices.

Feeding practices and child stunting during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study

Background. In the period of the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of children suffering from stunting had escalated globally due to socio-economic challenges. This may worsen the nutritional status and health of children under 5 years. Objective. This study aimed to explore the parental feeding practices among children aged 24-59 months who have stunted growth during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods. Eleven semi-structured individual interviews were conducted involving primary caregivers of stunting children in the family. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed thematically. Results. Three major themes were identified: i) child-feeding practices during the COVID-19 pandemic; ii) feeding style among the primary caregivers of stunting children; iii) parents’ efforts to improve nutritional intake. This finding shows that child feeding is a complex interaction between parent-feeding practices and child-eating behavior that affect the nutritional status of children. Conclusions. The feeding practices of children suffering from stunting during the COVID-19 pandemic have been the greatest challenge faced by many caregivers. The accessibility of food, economic condition, and parental knowledge contributed to this situation. Healthcare providers are expected to strengthen nutrition education to improve proper feeding practices and provide support for families during the pandemic.

Emotional and external eating styles associated with obesity

BackgroundObesity is related to eating habits. Overeating is the most behavioural trait implicated in obesity; emotional, external and rigid restrained eating are three maladaptive eating habits that are associated to overeating.ObjectivesThe current study assesses the eating styles of Algerian adults. It identifies and analyses differences in eating styles in a sample from adults with normal BMI and who have obesity. The study examines the relationship between eating styles and BMI.MethodsThe sample consisted of 200 volunteers aged from 31 to 62 years old, 110 with obesity and 90 having normal BMI. The participants were recruited from hospital and university employees. They were questioned about their eating habits. The participants did not receive any treatment. To assess eating styles, participants completed the DEBQ.ResultsThe prevalence of women was in the majority, representing 61% (n = 122) in the total sample (63.63% (n = 70) with obesity, and 55.77% (n = 52) with normal BMI). The prevalence of men represents 39% (n = 78) in the total sample (36.36% (n = 40) with obesity, and 42.22% (n = 38) with normal BMI). Participants with obesity showed pathological eating styles. They scored higher on emotional and external eating styles than to normal BMI group. However, restraint eating showed a slight no significant increase. The mean scores ± standard deviations observed in each eating styles were: emotional eating (2.88 ± 0.99** vs. 1.71 ± 0.32), external eating (3.31 ± 0.68** vs. 1.96 ± 0.29), and retrained eating (1.81 ± 0.7ns vs. 1.3 ± 0.30). The linear regression analysis showed an effect of emotional and external eating on BMI.ConclusionThese results could be used to provide clinical information at the initial screening for obesity criteria, obesity prevention and treatment.

Mental Health and Feeding Styles in Parents of Formula-Fed Infants.

Background: Nonresponsive feeding styles can contribute to rapid weight gain in infancy and subsequent obesity in childhood. There is a need to investigate factors such as parental mental health symptoms (stress, depression, and anxiety) that may contribute to nonresponsive feeding styles. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between parental mental health symptoms and feeding styles in parents of healthy, term formula-fed infants during the first year of life. Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive correlational design was employed using online surveys. We recruited participants through Facebook groups and pediatricians' offices. Instruments included a demographic questionnaire, the Perceived Stress Scale-10, Patient Health Questionnaire-Depression Module-9, 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Assessment, and Infant Feeding Style Questionnaire. Results: Participants were 306 parents of formula-fed infants. Greater depressive symptoms was the strongest predictor of the pressuring style (β = 0.54), while greater symptoms of stress (β = -0.13) and anxiety (β = -0.28) were associated with lower pressuring scores. Greater depressive symptoms was the strongest predictor of the laissez-faire style (β = 0.48), while greater symptoms of stress (β = -0.17) and anxiety (β = -0.23) were associated with lower laissez-faire scores. Engaging in ≤50% of the infant's feeds was the strongest control variable predictor for the pressuring and laissez-faire styles. None of the mental health variables were significantly related to the restrictive style. Conclusions: We recommend increased screening for depressive symptoms in parents of infants and responsive feeding support, especially for those experiencing depressive symptoms.

Risk factors of aspiration occurrence with different feeding patterns in elderly intensive care unit patients: a cross-sectional study.

Elderly intensive care unit (ICU) patients represent a high-risk group of aspiration. Different feeding patterns will lead to different incidences of aspiration. However, there are few studies on the risk factors of aspiration in elderly ICU patients under different feeding patterns. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of different eating styles on the occurrence of overt and silent aspiration in elderly ICU patients and to compare the independent risk factors, in order to provide a basis for targeted aspiration prevention. We retrospectively analyzed the incidence of aspiration in elderly patients admitted to the ICU from April 2019 to April 2022, a total of 348 cases. The patients were divided into the oral feeding group, gastric tube feeding group, and post-pyloric feeding group according to their feeding method. Multi-factor logistic regression was used to analyze the independent risk factors for overt and silent aspiration caused by the different eating patterns of patients. Among the 348 elderly ICU patients included, the overall incidence of aspiration was 72%, with a 22% rate of overt aspiration and a 49% rate of silent aspiration. The overt aspiration rates were 16%, 30%, and 21% in the oral, the gastric tube and the post-pyloric feeding group, respectively; while the silent aspiration rates were 52%, 55%, and 40% in the three groups, respectively. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the independent risk factors for both overt and silent aspiration were history of aspiration [odds ratio (OR) =0.075, P=0.004; OR =0.205, P=0.042] and gastrointestinal tumor (OR =0.100, P=0.028; OR =0.063, P=0.003) in the oral feeding group. In the gastric tube feeding group, the independent risk factor for both overt and silent aspiration was the history of aspiration (OR =4.038, P=0.040; OR =4.658, P=0.012). In the post-pyloric feeding group, the independent risk factors for both overt and silent aspiration were mechanical ventilation (OR =0.211, P=0.019; OR =0.336, P=0.037) and intra-abdominal hypertension (OR =0.225, P=0.020; OR =0.329, P=0.032). There were significant differences in the influencing factors and characteristics of aspiration among the elderly patients in the ICU with different feeding patterns. Personalized precautions should be implemented early, so as to reduce the possibility of aspiration.

Relationship Between Mother Characteristics and Parental Feeding Style with Stunting Incidence in Children Under Children

In 2013, UNICEF stated that 1 in 3 toddlers was stunted. UNICEF data for 2013 states that stunting in Indonesia is predicted to be 7.8 million children under five. This incident places Indonesia in the top 5 countries with the largest number of stunting toddlers in the world. This research aims to analyze the relationship between maternal characteristics and parenting style of feeding with the incidence of stunting. An analytical survey with a cross-sectional approach was chosen in this research. The research was conducted in Palusibaji Village, Pantai Labu District, Deli Serdang Regency in 2022. The population in this study were all mothers who had 56 toddlers and the sampling technique was accidental sampling with a sample of 34 people who were tested using the Chi-Square test at α = 5%. The research results from the data obtained and based on bivariate analysis, it was concluded that the variables of early breastfeeding initiation (p=0.01), complete basic immunization (p=0.01), and parenting style (p=0.001) are related to the incidence of stunting in toddlers. Analysis of multiple logistic regression tests is parenting style p = 0.003 with a value of Exp (B) = 1.615, which means that parenting styles in good feeding is 1.615 likely not to experience stunting compared to bad parenting styles with stunting events. Conclusion of the study Children who are cared for by parents will find it easier to monitor nutritional intake, feeding patterns, stimulus, and children's activities because parents, especially mothers, care about their children's needs.

Eating behaviors and body self-esteem in couple's satisfaction during COVID-19 quarantine

Background: Many experts agree that the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown restriction have had an impact on relationships and eating habits in couples, but this hypothesis lacks evidence and empirical studies. Aim: The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between satisfaction with the couple's relationship, body self-esteem, and eating behaviors during the Covid-19 lockdown. Method: Three hundred and eighty-one subjects, aged between 18 and 60 years (M = 26.88; SD = 9.22), of whom 89.8% women, participated in the survey. The online assessment included: the Relationship Assessment Scale; the Multidimensional Self Concept Scale and the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire. Results: The results showed that the relationship and the levels of couple's satisfaction are independent of respect to body experience and eating behavior. On the contrary, bodily experience is negatively correlated with diet, weight, body shape, and restriction attempts. However, the eating style of couple showed a change during the quarantine period, both in healthy and at-risk of ED subjects. Conclusion: The psychological impact of Covid-19 and its lockdown has had profound repercussions on the subjective relationship with body and food but have apparently preserved stable and satisfying bonds. The importance of the study confirmed the primary relation between self and body's satisfaction in subjective dimensions of life.

Seasonal shift in the diet of the notched-eared bat (Myotis emarginatus) in the Basque Country: from flies to spiders

Myotis emarginatus seems fond of spiders and flies, a unique feeding style among European bats. The importance of each prey type varies among studies, so this paper aims to expand on the knowledge to unveil the trophic niche of M. emarginatus by studying its diet changes throughout the maternity season. We sampled five maternity colonies in the Basque Country every 2 weeks for the whole duration of the maternity season and studied their diet using DNA metabarcoding methods. We observed significant changes in diet diversity and composition. At the beginning of the season, M. emarginatus consumed a variety of prey orders, Diptera being the most abundant; but as the season progressed, the relative consumption of Araneae increased. By August, 80% of the weighted percentage of occurrences (wPOO) corresponded to the orb-web-building spider Araneus diadematus. Orb-web-building spiders need habitats of high vertical complexity to grow in abundance. Therefore, conserving them is essential to preserve attractive hunting grounds for colonies of M. emarginatus. Besides, diurnal flies, mainly Stomoxys calcitrans, were also considerably consumed in the colonies studied, which can become detrimental to the well-being of cattle, and can act as a vector of many diseases.

Parental feeding practices as a response to child appetitive traits in toddlerhood and early childhood: a discordant twin analysis of the Gemini cohort

BackgroundParental feeding practices (PFPs) have been implicated in the development of children’s eating behaviours. However, evidence suggests that feeding practices may also develop in response to their child’s weight or emerging appetitive traits. We used the twin design to test the hypothesis that parents develop their feeding practices partly in response to their child’s appetite.MethodsData were from Gemini, a population-based cohort of 2402 British families with twins born in 2007. Psychometric measures of PFPs and appetite were completed by parents when their twins were 16-months and 5-years. Within-family analyses including all twins with available data in the sample (n = 1010–1858 pairs), examined if within-pair differences in PFPs were associated with differences in appetitive traits, controlling for differences in birth weight-SDS, early feeding method and child sex. In a subsample of twin pairs who were considerably discordant for appetitive traits by ≥ 1SD (n = 122–544 pairs), the direction and magnitude of within-pair differences in feeding practices was explored.ResultsWithin-family variation in parental feeding practices in toddlerhood and early childhood was low (discordance ranged from 0.1 to 6% of the sample), except for pressure to eat (toddlerhood: 19%; early childhood: 32%). Within-pair differences in all appetitive traits were associated with differential use of ‘pressure to eat’ at both 16-months and 5-years. In the subsample of twins most discordant for appetitive traits, parents used more pressure with the twin expressing lower food responsiveness, lower emotional overeating, lower food enjoyment, higher satiety responsiveness, slower speed of eating, higher emotional undereating and greater fussiness in toddlerhood and early childhood (p-values < 0.001). Effect sizes were small to large at 16-months (η2=0.02–0.09) and 5-years (η2=0.05–0.21).ConclusionParents rarely varied their feeding practices between twins in toddlerhood and early childhood, except for pressure. Parents exerted greater pressure on their twin who expressed a poorer appetite compared to their co-twin, suggesting that parents develop a pressuring feeding style when their child expresses a poorer appetite or lower interest in, and enthusiasm for, eating. These findings could be used to guide interventions seeking to support parents in feeding their children in a way that nurtures the development of healthy eating behaviours.

Emotional Regulation Underlies Gender Differences in Pathological Eating Behavior Styles of Bariatric Surgery Candidates

Almost a third of bariatric surgery patients present suboptimal weight loss or important weight regain in the first five postoperative years. While the reasons underlying this are not fully understood, it is known that pathological eating styles (such as emotional or binge eating) can thwart efforts to maintain weight loss. However, detailed characterization and understanding of these eating styles have yet to be achieved. In particular, research on gender differences in pathological eating styles and psychiatric symptoms before bariatric surgery is lacking. To characterize gender differences in eating styles and their association with clinical symptoms, we prospectively enrolled 110 bariatric surgery candidates, collecting eating styles and clinical scores. Women displayed a higher frequency of emotional eating as compared to men (x2 = 9.07, p = 0.003), while men showed a higher frequency of quantitative eating behavioral style (x2 = 4.58, p = 0.044). Binge eating style was associated with higher Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), Hamilton Depression Scale (HAM-D), and Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAM-A) scores (p &lt; 0.05). Emotional eating style was associated with higher HAM-D and HAM-A scores (p &lt; 0.05). The present findings highlight the importance of understanding the role of gender differences in emotion regulation processes involved in the development and maintenance of pathological eating styles in bariatric surgery candidates. This paves the way to gender- and symptoms-specific interventions on eating behaviors to improve surgery long-term outcomes.

A qualitative exploration of perceived barriers and facilitators to following an intuitive eating style

BackgroundIntuitive eating involves following internal cues of hunger and satiety to guide eating choices as opposed to responding to external signals, strong emotions, or dietary rules. This style of eating has consistently been shown to be related to better physical and psychological health indicators, and more interventions are being designed and studied to promote this eating style. The current study aimed to identify anticipated facilitators and barriers to following this style of eating among a group of college students enrolled in a larger study of intuitive eating. MethodFollowing a week of tracking their current eating as part of a larger study, college students read a description of intuitive eating. They then answered three open-ended questions about following intuitive eating including facilitators, barriers, and perceived ability to follow long term. Responses were coded using thematic analysis to identify themes across responses. ResultsAmong 100 participants, 86 % were female, 46 % were Hispanic (41 % non-Hispanic White, 13 % other race/ethnicity), mean age was 24.3 years, and mean body mass index was 26.2. The most commonly anticipated participant-reported facilitators of intuitive eating were being in touch with the body's needs and hunger cues, positive perceptions of intuitive eating, and health considerations. The most commonly anticipated barriers were logistical constraints (e.g., busyness and mealtimes), difficulty with hunger cues and reactions to food, and negative perceptions of intuitive eating. The majority of participants (64 %) would consider following this style of eating long term. DiscussionThis study provides information that can be used to improve efforts aimed at promoting intuitive eating to college students, including marketing intuitive eating interventions, and clarifying misunderstandings of its key tenets that might serve as barriers.

Psychometric properties of the Arabic version of the Intuitive Eating Scale-2 (IES-2) in a sample of community adults

BackgroundThere is a growing attention on intuitive eating (IE) styles in the Western world that has not yet reached Arab countries, which is likely due to the lack of psychometrically sound measures of the IE construct for Arabic-speaking people. The current study aims to examine the psychometric properties of an Arabic translation of the most widely used measure of IE—the Intuitive Eating Scale-2 (IES-2), in an Arabic-speaking community population from Lebanon.MethodsTwo samples of Arabic-speaking community adults from Lebanon (sample 1: n = 359, 59.9% females, age 22.75 ± 7.04 years; sample 2: n = 444, 72.7% females, age 27.25 ± 9.53 years) were recruited through online convenience sampling. The translation and back-translation method was applied to the IES-2 for linguistic validation. Factorial validity was investigated using an Exploratory Factor Analysis & Confirmatory Factor Analysis strategy. Composite reliability and sex invariance were examined. We also tested convergent and criterion-related validity through correlations with other theoretically plausible constructs.ResultsNine out of the original 23 items were removed because they either loaded below 0.40 and/or cross-loaded too highly on multiple factors. This resulted in four domains (Unconditional Permission to Eat, Eating for Physical Rather than Emotional Reasons, Reliance on Hunger and Satiety Cues, and Body-Food Choice Congruence) and 14 items retained. Internal reliability estimates were excellent, with McDonald’s ω values ranging from 0.828 to 0.923 for the four factors. Multigroup analysis established configural, thresholds, metric, scalar, strict invariance across gender. Finally, higher IES-2 total scores were significantly correlated with lower body dissatisfaction scores and more positive eating attitudes, thus attesting to convergent and criterion-related validity of the scale.ConclusionsThe current findings provide preliminary evidence for the appropriate psychometric qualities of the Arabic 14-item, four-factor structure IES-2; thereby supporting its use at least among Arabic-speaking community adults.

Daily stress and eating behaviors in adolescents and young adults: Investigating the role of cortisol reactivity and eating styles

Stress-related eating has been well documented in previous literature. However, there is limited research investigating the role of cortisol reactivity in daily stress-eating associations in samples of adolescents and young adults. 123 participants completed a baseline questionnaire and the Trier Social Stress Test in groups. Four saliva samples were taken at − 10, + 00, + 10 and + 40 min during the stress-induction task. Following this, participants completed an online daily diary each evening for 14 consecutive days to record daily stress and between-meal snack consumption. Multilevel modelling indicated that daily stress was positively associated with daily snack intake, particularly for ego-threatening and work/academic stressors. Emotional and external eating styles were found to moderate the stress-snacking relationship. Cortisol reactivity also moderated stress-eating associations, such that as cortisol reactivity levels increased from lower to higher levels, the impact of stress on eating decreased. The current findings highlight the importance of cortisol reactivity status and eating styles in understanding the complex relationship between daily stress and eating behavior in adolescents and young adults. Future research should continue investigating stress-eating associations in these groups and explore the role of other aspects of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis functioning.