Parenting and schema domains as predictors of intuitive and dysregulated eating in emerging adults.

Adverse and positive childhood experiences (ACEs and PCEs, respectively) are known to influence various health-related outcomes in adulthood, including eating behaviors. Emotional eating is considered a maladaptive eating style, whereas intuitive eating is perceived as an adaptive one. Understanding how ACEs and PCEs relate to these eating styles could inform targeted interventions. This study investigated the relationship between the types of ACEs and PCEs and eating styles (emotional and intuitive eating) among a national sample of Polish adults (n=2231). ACEs were assessed using the Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire and PCEs using the Benevolent Childhood Experiences Scale. The two eating styles were also assessed: maladaptive (emotional eating) via the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ-13) and adaptive (intuitive eating) via the Intuitive Eating Scale-2 (IES-2). Network analysis revealed that emotional eating was positively associated with three ACEs: sexual abuse, unmet basic needs (e.g., access to food) and a lack of family love. However, emotional eating style was not associated with any PCEs. Intuitive eating was positively associated with three PCEs: comforting beliefs, fun activities, and self-acceptance. Similarly, intuitive eating was not associated with any ACEs. Body mass index (BMI) was positively associated with emotional eating and negatively associated with intuitive eating. Our findings suggest that PCEs and ACEs are independent predictors of opposing eating styles in adulthood. The results of this study can contribute to the development of effective interventions to promote the physical and mental well-being of adults.

Stigma consciousness refers to an individual difference in the extent to which members of stereotyped groups believe that their stereotyped status permeates interactions with out-group members. This investigation examined whether stigma consciousness contributed unique variance in predicting mental well-being, and eating and positive body image outcomes (i.e., depression, self-esteem, body appreciation, intuitive eating, emotional eating) after controlling for experienced weight stigma (EWS), including fat microaggressions (FM), and internalized weight bias (IWB). Study participants (N = 288) were recruited through a Qualtrics research panel, all of whom were required to be at least 18 years old with a BMI > 25. In hierarchical regressions predicting self-esteem, depression, body appreciation, and intuitive eating, stigma consciousness significantly accounted for 3.7-20.0 % of unique variance beyond EWS, FM, and IWB. Stigma consciousness was not associated with emotional eating and did not predict depressive symptoms after accounting for weight stigma. The belief that one is being judged according to stereotypes may not be sufficient to induce occurrences of emotional eating, nor contribute uniquely to depression symptoms above and beyond weight stigma. These findings indicate that stigma consciousness is not redundant with existing weight-related constructs such as FM, IWB, and EWS in predicting self-esteem, body appreciation, and intuitive eating. These findings further indicate that the expectation that an individual is being judged based on stereotypes related to their identity is associated with negative psychological outcomes. Developing interventions to empower individuals and buffer against the harmful effects of stigma consciousness is imperative.

ABSTRACT Background The communication of nutrition information comes with the challenge of encouraging health-promoting behaviors without triggering disordered eating. One important consideration of nutrition education is the affective responses that messages generate in receivers, emerging adult women in particular, who are at high risk for disordered eating. This study compares two different frameworks: Weight-centric nutrition education (i.e. MyPlate, calories-in-calories-out) and intuitive eating (i.e. eating by hunger and fullness cues). Method Three hundred emerging adult women were randomized in a pretest-posttest experimental design. This design was used to compare within-participant changes in affect, worry about eating and weight, and heart rate variability between groups viewing either a weight-centric or an intuitive eating nutrition education video. It was hypothesized that women randomized to weight-centric nutrition education would report increases in negative affect, increases in worry about eating and weight, and decreases in positive affect and heart rate variability, compared to those who viewed intuitive eating nutrition education. Results Compared to intuitive eating, weight-centric nutrition education led to an increase in negative affect (P < .01, Cohen’s d = 0.68), an increase in worry about eating (P < .01, Cohen’s d = 0.89) and weight (P < .01, Cohen’s d = 0.70), and a decrease in positive affect (P < .01, Cohen’s d = −0.95). No statistically significant differences were found for heart rate variability. Conclusions Weight-centric nutrition education has been traditionally used when communicating nutrition information in the U.S.; however, nutrition education may benefit from an intuitive eating approach so that disordered eating risk is not inadvertently increased.

Diverse adaptive and maladaptive eating behaviours exist, yet research is needed to understand their inter-relationships. This study investigated the factor structure underlying a broad spectrum of eating attitudes and behaviours, and their associations with wellbeing outcomes and clinical impairment. Two samples of women (Mage = 24 years; n1 = 400, n2 = 423) completed a survey measuring intuitive eating, mindful eating, disinhibited eating, dietary restraint and restriction, and orthorexia tendencies. Exploratory factor analysis in Sample 1 suggested a five-factor structure, which was supported by confirmatory factor analysis in Sample 2. Results demonstrated one adaptive factor, characterised by Body-Centric Eating; three maladaptive factors, characterised by Dietary Restraint, Disinhibited Eating, and Severe Restriction; and Mechanical Eating, characterised by adherence to routine-based eating. Identifying how adaptive and maladaptive eating behaviours cluster empirically provides insight into the potential role of adaptive eating strategies in reducing maladaptive eating and enhancing wellbeing.

Relationship between food insecurity, intuitive eating, and body mass index among adults: a cross-sectional study in Türkiye.

This study explored how intuitive eating, caregiver food messages, and a digital cue-based eating intervention relate to body appreciation. Intuitive eating, responding to internal hunger and fullness cues rather than external pressures, was linked to healthier eating patterns and greater body appreciation. Participants (N = 296) completed baseline measures of intuitive eating, body appreciation, and caregiver food messages. A randomized subset (n = 94) received either four weekly 10-12-minutes psychoeducational videos on intuitive eating or comparable wellness content, with follow-ups at 1 and 3 months. Higher intuitive eating and supportive caregiver messages predicted greater body appreciation, while restrictive messages were unrelated. The digital intervention significantly enhanced body appreciation and increased reliance on internal cues, though overall intuitive eating scores did not change. These findings emphasize the long-term influence of early caregiver messages and demonstrate the promise of brief, scalable digital interventions for promoting positive body image.

This study employed a network analysis approach to model the complex interplay of risk and protective factors for body image dissatisfaction in young French women, with the objective of mapping the psychological system connecting these variables and identifying the most central factors. A sample of 233 female students completed an online questionnaire assessing 11 constructs, including risk factors like perfectionism, thin-ideal internalization, appearance comparison, and weight stigma, alongside protective factors such as self-compassion, intuitive eating, and body appreciation. This study also presents the first psychometric validation of the Physical Appearance Related Teasing Scale (PARTS) in the French language. A Gaussian Graphical Model (GGM) network analysis revealed that body dissatisfaction (BSQ-8C) has the highest strength and betweenness centrality, confirming its role as the core hub in the model's architecture and underscoring the relevance of the chosen variables for this study. The network showed strong direct positive links to body dissatisfaction from weight stigma (WSSQ) and appearance comparison (PACS-5), and strong negative links from the protective factors of body appreciation (BAS-2) and intuitive eating (IES-2). Weight-related teasing (PARTS) was established as a significant secondary risk factor through its robust connection with weight stigma. Sociocultural pressures (SATAQ-3) were identified as a critical bridging node, while variables such as self-compassion, social media use, and perfectionism occupied peripheral positions. This research advocates for a targeted, multi-component approach that actively works to dismantle the pillars of weight stigma and comparison while simultaneously building the distinct foundations of body appreciation and intuitive eating.Level of evidence; Level V, descriptive studiesOur manuscript describes a cross-sectional design that uses a network analysis approach to map the existing correlations between variables. As this methodology is a descriptive study and does not involve an intervention (ruling out Levels I & II) or a longitudinal/case-control design (ruling out Level III), it aligns with the journal's criteria for Level V.

PurposeAdaptive eating refers to internally regulated eating that is enjoyable and gently guided by the nutritional quality of foods. Despite growing interest in this construct, there is currently no validated scale to measure adaptive eating among US college students aged ≥18years. This study aimed to develop and evaluate the psychometric properties of the Adaptive Eating Scale (AES) in a diverse sample of US college students.DesignThirty-seven items were developed to comprise the AES. Students completed AES and measures of intuitive eating, mental health, diet, and anthropometrics.SampleEight hundred and forty-nine university students aged ≥18years, from racially and ethnically diverse backgrounds.AnalysisThe sample was divided randomly into two. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) was completed on subsample A (n = 424). Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was conducted on subsample B (n = 425) to confirm factor structure from subsample A.ResultsEFA showed 17 items representing gentle nutrition (GN), unpreoccupied by food cravings (UBFC), enjoyment of food (EOF), and honoring hunger (HH) explained 63.1% of the variance. CFA showed a bifactor model comprising one global factor and four orthogonal factors (GN, UBFC, EOF, and HH) had excellent fit [CFI = 0.972, RMSEA = 0.051, SRMR = 0.048]. GN, EOF, and HH were reliable, and significantly associated with each other, intuitive eating, emotional eating, weight status, and mental health.ConclusionResults showed that AES is best conceptualized as a multidimensional measure with one general factor and specific factors representing GN, EOF, and HH.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects approximately 850 million people worldwide, imposing not only substantial health burdens but also complex dietary management challenges. For kidney transplant recipients (KTRs), dietary restrictions often lessen post-transplant, yet the transition to a ‘normal’ diet is fraught with difficulty after years of externally imposed rules. In this context, intuitive eating, which emphasises internal hunger and satiety cues over external dietary mandates, may support the development of sustainable, self-managed eating behaviours. Despite the recent publication of a third version of the scale, the Intuitive Eating Scale-2 (IES-2) is currently the most widely-used measure of intuitive eating, but it has not yet been validated for use with KTRs. To address this gap, a mixed-methods validation study was conducted, integrating qualitative thinkaloud interviews with KTRs and a quantitative survey involving KTRs and a non-CKD comparison group, to evaluate the face, factorial and construct validity and internal consistency of the IES-2 within this population. Results from both qualitative and quantitative workstreams revealed critical psychometric and conceptual issues with the ‘Unconditional Permission to Eat’ (UPE) subscale, including compromised item discrimination, construct validity, and reliability, as well as responses being systematically influenced by participants’ experiences as KTRs. The original four-factor structure of the IES-2 was unsupported in both groups. Alternative models were tested, and an 11-item, three-factor structure excluding the UPE subscale demonstrated excellent fit across KTR and comparison samples. Although a third version of this scale now exists, there is no validation data available for people with kidney disease or solid organ transplantation, meaning these findings provide the first validated, contextually appropriate configuration of a scale of intuitive eating for use with KTRs, offering a robust tool to advance research and clinical practice in this population.

Dieting is common among young adult women, yet it may be associated with problematic psychological outcomes. The current study aimed to profile styles of eating among undergraduate women (n = 478, average age = 19.3, 50.8% Hispanic/Latina/x), and to explore the extent to which dieting attitudes were associated with psychological well-being. A latent profile analysis of self-reported intuitive eating, binge eating, and dietary restraint measures indicated a four-profile model provided a reasonable fit to the data. These profiles differed significantly in BMI, and psychological measures of well-being, body appreciation, impulsivity, and self-efficacy. Profiles characterized by greater endorsement of restraint were associated with depressed mood and binge eating. These results suggest an intuitive approach to eating is related to greater well-being amongst an ethnically diverse sample of college women, and that individuals who restrict their eating differ from those who do not across various psychological constructs, regardless of whether they explicitly identify as "dieters."

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to examine the association between Mediterranean diet adherence and adaptive eating behaviors, specifically intuitive eating and mindful eating, among Turkish young adults. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 2293 young adults aged 18–34 years who completed an online survey between December 2023 and March 2024. Data were collected using the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Scale (MEDAS), Intuitive Eating Scale-2 (IES-2), and Mindful Eating Questionnaire (MEQ-30). One-way ANOVA compared eating behavior scores across adherence groups. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses examined the unique contribution of MEDAS scores after controlling for demographic, socioeconomic, health, lifestyle, and nutritional factors. Results: Among the participants, 64.5% demonstrated low, 27.0% moderate, and 8.4% high Mediterranean diet adherence. ANOVA revealed significant differences in both IES-2 and MEQ-30 scores across groups. In hierarchical regression, MEDAS significantly predicted intuitive eating (B = 0.023, p = 0.004, contributing 10.72% to explained variance) and mindful eating (B = 0.776, p = 0.001, contributing 13.61%) after controlling for all covariates. BMI emerged as the strongest predictor for both outcomes, with divergent associations: negative for intuitive eating and positive for mindful eating. Final models explained 5.8% and 6.2% of variance in IES-2 and MEQ-30, respectively. Conclusions: Mediterranean diet adherence demonstrated significant positive associations with both intuitive and mindful eating behaviors, independent of multiple confounders. Although effect sizes were modest, these findings suggest that promoting Mediterranean dietary patterns may complement interventions aimed at fostering adaptive eating behaviors. The divergent BMI associations warrant further investigation.

Effect of an intuitive eating intervention on disordered eating behaviours and dietary quality in young adult Canadian women: A randomized controlled trial.

Testing the acceptance model of intuitive eating for explaining intuitive eating dimensions and sex differences in Chinese adults.

Background:Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common female endocrine disorder. However, current lifestyle recommendations may not be appropriate for all individuals with PCOS. To best tailor an intervention for individuals with PCOS, an understanding of their preferred intervention characteristics is needed.Objectives:To describe preferred intervention characteristics of a weight-neutral lifestyle approach and explore the acceptability of intuitive eating for individuals with PCOS.Design:Convergent mixed methods analysis.Methods:Preferred intervention characteristics were explored through an online survey, with semi-structured interviews conducted with a purposively selected group of survey participants. Descriptive statistics were calculated. Qualitative data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Joint displays were used for mixed methods integration.Results:Two hundred sixty-seven participants (77.7% white, 86.0% non-Hispanic, mean age 29.7 ± 5.1 years) were included in the analysis. Participants reported interest in a lifestyle program (66.3%) consisting of individual and group (57.7%) sessions, delivered in-person and remotely (46.2%). Although a registered dietitian was the preferred provider to administer the intervention (80.5%), many participants (54.9%) desired an interdisciplinary team. Interest in intuitive eating was high (mean score 7.1 ± 2.7, scale 1–10, higher scores indicate higher interest). The average scores for acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility of an intuitive eating intervention were 3.7 ± 0.9, 3.3 ± 1.0, and 3.8 ± 0.8, respectively (scale 1–5, higher scores indicate higher acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility). While intuitive eating was perceived to have several benefits, concerns over letting go of food rules and navigating cravings were heard. A need for an individualized approach, with practical guidance, education, and peer support was identified.Conclusions:Individuals with PCOS prefer an individualized lifestyle approach. Intuitive eating may be an acceptable weight-neutral lifestyle intervention for PCOS. However, concerns over implementing intuitive eating should be considered in the design of an intervention. Future research should incorporate these findings when developing treatment approaches for PCOS.

The relationship between chronotype and hedonic hunger, night eating syndrome, and intuitive eating in young adults

Body image flexibility and inflexibility predict intuitive eating: A prospective study in adolescents and emerging adults.

Men and women who seek treatment for binge-spectrum eating disorders have similar baseline characteristics.

Background: Eating is a complex behavior in humans, shaped by an interplay of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors. Tools like the Intuitive Eating Scale-2 (IES-2) offer valuable insights into eating behaviors, but their effectiveness depends on cultural and linguistic adaptability.Objective: In this study, we translated the IES-2 into Arabic and validated its psychometric properties among a large Arabic-speaking sample in Saudi Arabia.Methods: The IES-2 was translated using the forward-backward translation approach. The final translated version was distributed online to a convenient sample of the Saudi population. Exploratory factor analysis was performed to examine the construct validity of the subscales, while internal consistency was measured using Cronbach’s alpha.Results: A total of 522 participants, of average age 32.9 ± 11.9 years, completed the survey. Factor analysis of the scale’s 23 items identified four factors that align with the subscales: Eating for Physical Rather than Emotional Reasons (Factor 1), Reliance on Hunger and Satiety Cues (Factor 2), Unconditional Permission to Eat (Factor 3), and Body-Food Choices (Factor 4). Bartlett’s test of sphericity showed that the factor solution was invertible (χ2(253)=5600.99, p < 0.001), while the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin measure of sampling adequacy = 0.871. Bivariate correlations (Pearson’s correlation test) between the measured concepts showed that all four subscales correlated positively and significantly with each other (p < 0.05).Conclusion: The psychometric property analysis supported the validity and reliability of the Arabic version of the IES-2. Future research should focus on further refining these tools to enhance their applicability in diverse settings.

The aim of this study was to examine the potential mediating role of intuitive eating in the relationship between food insecurity and adherence to the Mediterranean diet. A total of 1039 adults aged between 20 and 64 years living in Niğde, Türkiye, were evaluated using a questionnaire. The questionnaire included items on participants' general characteristics, dietary habits, the Household Food Security Survey Module - Short Form, the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener and the Intuitive Eating Scale-2. Intuitive eating was found to play a partial mediating role in the relationship between food insecurity and adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Food insecurity was directly and negatively associated with adherence to the Mediterranean diet, and this association remained significant even after the inclusion of intuitive eating as a variable in the model. In conclusion, food insecurity was found to negatively affect adherence to the Mediterranean diet not only directly but also indirectly by weakening intuitive eating skills. Interventions aimed at promoting intuitive eating may help mitigate unhealthy dietary behaviours associated with food insecurity; however, improving food access and living conditions remains essential for a long-term solution.