Paternal rejection, psychological maladjustment, and child emotional eating: Path analysis in 8- to 11-year-old boys and girls

We examined the impact of paternal rejection (based on father’s and children’s reports) on the children’s emotional eating behavior and if child psychological maladjustment mediated this relationship. Three hundred sixty-nine dyads of fathers and children were screened using self-report measures of demographic data, parental rejection, child psychological maladjustment, and disordered eating behavior. Children’s subjective perceptions of relationship with father have more impact on their psychological outcomes and unhealthy dietary patterns than father reported parenting quality. Children’s unhealthy psychological adjustment may be an essential underlying mechanism linking perceived paternal rejection of children’s emotional eating behaviors.

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Eating Behavior of Brazilian College Students: Influences of Lifestyle, Negative Affectivity, and Personal Characteristics

Perceptual and Motor Skills ◽

10.1177/0031512520983082 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 003151252098308

Author(s):

Bianca G. Martins ◽

Wanderson R. da Silva ◽

João Marôco ◽

Juliana A. D. B. Campos

Keyword(s):

College Students ◽

Eating Behavior ◽

Emotional Eating ◽

Eating Behaviors ◽

Structural Model ◽

Negative Affectivity ◽

Personal Characteristics ◽

Second Order ◽

The Impact ◽

The Relationship

In this study we proposed to estimate the impact of lifestyle, negative affectivity, and college students’ personal characteristics on eating behavior. We aimed to verify that negative affectivity moderates the relationship between lifestyle and eating behavior. We assessed eating behaviors of cognitive restraint (CR), uncontrolled eating (UE), and emotional eating (EE)) with the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire-18. We assessed lifestyle with the Individual Lifestyle Profile, and we assessed negative affectivity with the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21. We constructed and tested (at p < .05) a hypothetical causal structural model that considered global (second-order) and specific (first-order) lifestyle components, negative affectivity and sample characteristics for each eating behavior dimension. Participants were 1,109 college students ( M age = 20.9, SD = 2.7 years; 65.7% females). We found significant impacts of lifestyle second-order components on negative affectivity (β = −0.57–0.19; p < 0.001–0.01) in all models. Physical and psychological lifestyle components impacted directly only on CR (β=−0.32–0.81; p < 0.001). Negative affectivity impacted UE and EE (β = 0.23–0.30; p < 0.001). For global models, we found no mediation pathways between lifestyle and CR or UE. For specific models, negative affectivity was a mediator between stress management and UE (β=−0.07; p < 0.001). Negative affectivity also mediated the relationship between thoughts of dropping an undergraduate course and UE and EE (β = 0.06–0.08; p < 0.001). Participant sex and weight impacted all eating behavior dimensions (β = 0.08–0.34; p < 0.001–0.01). Age was significant for UE and EE (β=−0,14– −0.09; p < 0.001–0.01). Economic stratum influenced only CR (β = 0.08; p = 0.01). In sum, participants’ lifestyle, negative emotions and personal characteristics were all relevant for eating behavior assessment.

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Differences in Eating Behavior Among Followers of Popular Diets Across Categories of Perceived Adherence

Current Developments in Nutrition ◽

10.1093/cdn/nzab051_024 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (Supplement_2) ◽

pp. 980-980

Author(s):

Kara Livingston ◽

Micaela Karlsen ◽

Gail Rogers ◽

Sai Das ◽

Alice Lichtenstein ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Eating Behavior ◽

Food Environment ◽

Emotional Eating ◽

Eating Behaviors ◽

Diet Group ◽

Habit Strength ◽

Self Report ◽

Future Research ◽

Dietary Habit ◽

Personal Taste

Abstract Objectives To understand how eating behaviors, susceptibility to the food environment, and perceived dietary habit strength differ across self-reported categories of adherence. Methods We used data in a sample (n = 2829) from Adhering to Dietary Approaches for Personal Taste (ADAPT), an online study conducted in self-identified popular diet followers. Adherence was categorized into 3 groups: >95% of the time (high adherers = HA), between 75–95% (moderate adherers = MA); <75% time (lower adherers = LA). The Power of Food Scale (POF) assessed susceptibility to the food environment (availability, presentation, taste), with higher scores indicating food has a higher power over dietary decisions. The Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire captured cognitive restraint (CR), uncontrolled eating (UE), and emotional eating (EE), with higher scores indicating greater response to the specific eating behavior. The Self-Report Habit Index (SRHI) measured perceived habit strength with respect to eating, with a lower score indicating stronger habits. We used ANCOVA adjusting for age, sex, time on diet, and diet group to compare POF, CR, UE, EE, and SRHI outcomes across adherence groups. Results Sixty six percent were HA (n = 1881), 28% MA (n = 787), and 6% LA (n = 161). LA were significantly more susceptible to food availability (mean [95% CI] = 14.9 [13.8–16.1]), presentation (12.1 [11.2–13.1]), and taste (13.4 [12.6–14.2], compared to HA (11 [10.7–11.3], 8 [7.8–8.3],11.6 [11.4–11.9]), respectively. LA indicated significantly greater UE (21 [20.2–21.9]) than HA (17 [16.7–17.4]) and EE (LA = 8 [7.5–8.4] vs. HA = 6.1 [6–6.3]). No significant differences were observed with respect to CR. LA reported weaker SRHI habits (3.4 [3.2–3.6]) compared to HA (1.7 [1.7–1.8]). Differences seen between the LA and MA were similar to those described for HA. Conclusions Our findings show that higher self-reported adherence to dietary patterns is associated with lower susceptibility to negative influences in the food environment, lower uncontrolled and emotional eating, and greater habit strength. Future research should investigate the directionality of the relationship between eating behavior and adherence. Funding Sources USDA Cooperative Agreements 58-8050-9-004 & 58-8050-4-003, General Mills Bell Institute of Health & Nutrition

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The impact of COVID-19 on disordered eating behavior: a qualitative analysis of internet users’ response to the global pandemic (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.26011 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Sara K Nutley ◽

Alyssa M Falise ◽

Rebecca Henderson ◽

Vicky Apostolou ◽

Carol A Mathews ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Disordered Eating ◽

Eating Behavior ◽

Eating Behaviors ◽

Well Being ◽

Discussion Forums ◽

Prevention Measures ◽

Disordered Eating Behaviors ◽

Disordered Eating Behavior ◽

The Impact

BACKGROUND A growing body of evidence suggests a significant association between the COVID-19 pandemic and population mental health. Findings suggest that individuals with a lifetime history of disordered eating behavior may be negatively affected by COVID-19 related anxiety and prevention measures may disrupt daily functioning and limit access to treatment. Nevertheless, data describing the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on disordered eating behaviors are limited and most findings focus on individuals in treatment settings. OBJECTIVE To characterize the experiences of global Reddit users posting in eating disorder (ED)-related discussion forums, describing the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on overall mental health and disordered eating behavior. METHODS Data were collected from popular subreddits acknowledging EDs as their primary discussion topic. Unique discussion posts dated from January 1, 2020 to May 31, 2020 that referenced the COVID-19 pandemic were extracted and evaluated using inductive, thematic data analysis. RESULTS Six primary themes were identified: change in ED symptoms, change in exercise routine, impact of quarantine on daily life, emotional well-being, help-seeking behavior, and associated risks and health outcomes. The majority of users reported that the COVID-19 pandemic and associated public health prevention measures negatively impacted their psychiatric health and contributed to increased disordered eating behaviors. Feelings of isolation, frustration, and anxiety were common. Many individuals used Reddit forums to share personal experiences, seek advice, and offer shared accountability. CONCLUSIONS Reddit discussion forums have provided a therapeutic community for individuals to share experiences and provide support for peers with ED during a period of increased psychiatric distress. Future research is needed to assess the impact of COVID-19 on disordered eating behavior and to evaluate the role of social media discussion forums in mental health treatment, especially during periods of limited treatment access.

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Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Disordered Eating Behavior: Qualitative Analysis of Social Media Posts

JMIR Mental Health ◽

10.2196/26011 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 (1) ◽

pp. e26011

Author(s):

Sara K Nutley ◽

Alyssa M Falise ◽

Rebecca Henderson ◽

Vasiliki Apostolou ◽

Carol A Mathews ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Social Media ◽

Disordered Eating ◽

Eating Behavior ◽

Eating Behaviors ◽

Discussion Forums ◽

Prevention Measures ◽

Disordered Eating Behaviors ◽

Disordered Eating Behavior ◽

The Impact

Background A growing body of evidence is suggesting a significant association between the COVID-19 pandemic and population-level mental health. Study findings suggest that individuals with a lifetime history of disordered eating behavior may be negatively affected by COVID-19–related anxiety, and prevention measures may disrupt daily functioning and limit access to treatment. However, data describing the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on disordered eating behaviors are limited, and most findings focus on individuals in treatment settings. Objective The aim of this study is to characterize the experiences of Reddit users worldwide who post in eating disorder (ED)–related discussion forums describing the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on their overall mental health and disordered eating behavior. Methods Data were collected from popular subreddits acknowledging EDs as their primary discussion topic. Unique discussion posts dated from January 1 to May 31, 2020 that referenced the COVID-19 pandemic were extracted and evaluated using inductive, thematic data analysis. Results Six primary themes were identified: change in ED symptoms, change in exercise routine, impact of quarantine on daily life, emotional well-being, help-seeking behavior, and associated risks and health outcomes. The majority of users reported that the COVID-19 pandemic and associated public health prevention measures negatively impacted their psychiatric health and contributed to increased disordered eating behaviors. Feelings of isolation, frustration, and anxiety were common. Many individuals used Reddit forums to share personal experiences, seek advice, and offer shared accountability. Conclusions Reddit discussion forums have provided a therapeutic community for individuals to share experiences and provide support for peers with ED during a period of increased psychiatric distress. Future research is needed to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on disordered eating behavior and to evaluate the role of social media discussion forums in mental health treatment, especially during periods of limited treatment access.

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Eating behaviors and weight loss outcomes in a 12-month randomized trial of diet and/or exercise intervention in postmenopausal women

International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity ◽

10.1186/s12966-019-0887-1 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 16 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Caitlin Mason ◽

Jean de Dieu Tapsoba ◽

Catherine Duggan ◽

Ching-Yun Wang ◽

Catherine M. Alfano ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Weight Loss ◽

Binge Eating ◽

Postmenopausal Women ◽

Eating Behavior ◽

Emotional Eating ◽

Eating Behaviors ◽

Dietary Intervention ◽

Restrained Eating ◽

Dietary Weight Loss ◽

Uncontrolled Eating

Abstract Background Certain eating behaviors are common among women with obesity. Whether these behaviors influence outcomes in weight loss programs, and whether such programs affect eating behaviors, is unclear. Methods Our aim was to examine the effect of baseline eating behaviors on intervention adherence and weight among postmenopausal women with overweight or obesity, and to assess intervention effects on eating behaviors. Four hundred and 39 women (BMI ≥25 kg/m2) were randomized to 12 months of: i) dietary weight loss with a 10% weight loss goal (‘diet’; n = 118); ii) moderate-to-vigorous intensity aerobic exercise for 225 mins/week (‘exercise’; n = 117); iii) combined dietary weight loss and exercise (‘diet + exercise’; n = 117); or iv) no-lifestyle change control (n = 87). At baseline and 12 months, restrained eating, uncontrolled eating, emotional eating and binge eating were measured by questionnaire; weight and body composition were assessed. The mean change in eating behavior scores and weight between baseline and 12 months in the diet, exercise, and diet + exercise arms were each compared to controls using the generalized estimating equation (GEE) modification of linear regression adjusted for age, baseline BMI, and race/ethnicity. Results Baseline restrained eating was positively associated with change in total calories and calories from fat during the dietary intervention but not with other measures of adherence. Higher baseline restrained eating was associated with greater 12-month reductions in weight, waist circumference, body fat and lean mass. Women randomized to dietary intervention had significant reductions in binge eating (− 23.7%, p = 0.005 vs. control), uncontrolled eating (− 24.3%, p < 0.001 vs. control), and emotional eating (− 31.7%, p < 0.001 vs. control) scores, and a significant increase in restrained eating (+ 60.6%, p < 0.001 vs. control); women randomized to diet + exercise reported less uncontrolled eating (− 26.0%, p < 0.001 vs. control) and emotional eating (− 22.0%, p = 0.004 vs. control), and increased restrained eating (+ 41.4%, p < 0.001 vs. control). Women randomized to exercise alone had no significant change in eating behavior scores compared to controls. Conclusions A dietary weight loss intervention helped women modify eating behaviors. Future research should investigate optimal behavioral weight loss interventions for women with both disordered eating and obesity. Trial registration NCT00470119 (https://clinicaltrials.gov). Retrospectively registered May 7, 2007.

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Study of Disturbed Eating Behaviors in Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

QJM ◽

10.1093/qjmed/hcab102.002 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 114 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

Heba E Essawy ◽

Ahmed A Abdelgawad ◽

Marwa E Khamis ◽

Alaa Zakaria

Keyword(s):

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ◽

Eating Behavior ◽

Attention Deficit ◽

Emotional Eating ◽

Eating Behaviors ◽

Independent Factor ◽

Hyperactivity Disorder ◽

Disturbed Eating ◽

Adhd Children ◽

Z Scores

ABSTRACT Background There is emergent evidence that disturbed eating behaviors, including emotional eating and obesity, co-occur with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. The current study aims to examine the link between ADHD symptoms, eating behaviors and obesity in ADHD children. Patients and Methods 50 ADHD children diagnosed by Conners scale were included. They completed the Emotional Eating scale adapted for children (ESS-C) to evaluate eating in response to emotions. Parents completed the Children’s Eating Behavior Questionnaire (CEBQ) to assess children’s eating behavior. Multivariable regression analysis was used to detect the most independent factor for higher Body mass Index (BMI) risk. Results: Higher rates of overweight/obesity were detected among ADHD children than among normal population. Also, higher Conners global index was associated with higher BMI z-scores. Both Inattentive and combined types were linked to higher BMI, while hyperactive type with lower BMI. Regarding eating behaviors, a positive association between food approach and BMI, and a negative association between food avoidant and BMI z-scores was found. Similarly, there was a noteworthy positive relation between emotional overeating and BMI. 68% of ADHD children were high emotional eaters, mainly inattentive and combined types. Others, mainly hyperactive type, were low emotional eaters. Only ESS-C total score was confirmed as independent factor for higher BMI risk. Conclusion Our findings provide evidence that emotional overeating and food approach eating behaviors are common among ADHD children with higher BMI associated with them. Future studies for better understanding of this overlap will enhance potential interventions.

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Weight-related psychological inflexibility as a mediator between weight self-stigma and health-related outcomes

Bulletin of the Menninger Clinic ◽

10.1521/bumc.2021.85.3.316 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 85 (3) ◽

pp. 316-330

Author(s):

Julie M. Petersen ◽

Carrie Durward ◽

Michael Levin

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Emotional Eating ◽

Eating Behaviors ◽

High Weight ◽

Self Report ◽

Psychological Inflexibility ◽

Health Related ◽

Report Data ◽

Average Body Mass ◽

Self Report Data

Weight self-stigma, the internalization of negative societal stereotypes, is a problem among populations with high weight. Weight self-stigma is associated with psychological inflexibility and maladaptive health-related behaviors. In this study, the authors explore how weight-related psychological inflexibility may influence weight self-stigma and health-related outcomes in 79 adults with high weight. Participants were primarily White (92.4%) and female (82.3%), with an average age of 39.56 years and average body mass index of 33.78. The study uses baseline, self-report data from a larger trial. Results indicate that weight self-stigma was negatively correlated with maladaptive eating behaviors, weight, and mental health. Weight-related psychological inflexibility was found as a significant mediator for the relationship between weight self-stigma and emotional eating, sedentary behavior, and mental health. Weight-related psychological inflexibility did not mediate the relationships between weight self-stigma and other eating measures and physical activity. These results support targeting weight-related psychological inflexibility and weight self-stigma in interventions.

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Inpatients experiences about the impact of traumatic stress on eating behaviors: an exploratory focus group study

Journal of Eating Disorders ◽

10.1186/s40337-021-00480-y ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Grethe Emilie Roer ◽

Heidi Hurlen Solbakken ◽

Dawit Shawel Abebe ◽

Jan Olav Aaseth ◽

Ingeborg Bolstad ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Focus Group ◽

Eating Behavior ◽

Traumatic Stress ◽

Eating Behaviors ◽

Life Experiences ◽

Traumatic Experiences ◽

Psychiatric Clinic ◽

Focus Group Study ◽

After Effects ◽

The Impact

Abstract Background Unhealthy changes in eating behavior among people experiencing trauma have been observed. There is, however, a lack of in-depth knowledge regarding the impact of the after effects of traumatic life experiences on eating behavior. Because eating behavior represents important components for promotion and maintenance of good health throughout life, this study aimed to explore inpatients’ lived experiences of the impact of traumatic stress on eating behavior. Method Thirteen female and two male inpatients (age range 28–62 years), recruited from a psychiatric clinic in Norway, participated in this qualitative explorative focus group study. The data analysis was performed using systematic text condensation. Results The results in the present study describe the participants’ experiences about the impact of traumatic stress on their eating behavior. Their discussions and descriptions disclosed problems that could be summarized into four main themes: “experiencing eating behaviors as coping strategies”; “experiencing being addicted to food and sweets”; “experiencing eating behaviors controlled by stress and emotions”; and “experiencing lack of appetite and reduced capacity to plan and prepare meals”. Conclusion Traumatic stress can impact eating behavior in several complex ways that over time may cause adverse health consequences. The results add to an important understanding of changes in eating behavior that might appear in people struggling to cope with the after effects of traumatic life experiences to the existing literature. To better understand the complexity of how traumatic experiences may impact eating behavior, this knowledge is important and useful for health professionals offering support to those who experience struggling with eating behavior after traumatic experiences.

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Impact of Covid-19 Lockdown Measures on Lifestyle Behavior in Children and Adolescents With Severe Obesity

Journal of the Endocrine Society ◽

10.1210/jendso/bvab048.702 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. A344-A345

Author(s):

Ozair Abawi ◽

Mila Sofie Welling ◽

Emma van den Eynde ◽

Elisabeth F C van Rossum ◽

Jutka Halberstadt ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Screen Time ◽

Emotional Eating ◽

Eating Behaviors ◽

Severe Obesity ◽

Psychosocial Problems ◽

External Eating ◽

Weekly Physical Activity ◽

The Impact

Abstract Introduction: During the COVID-19 pandemic, lockdown measures were implemented with large impact on lifestyle behaviors and well-being of children (including adolescents). The impact on children with severe obesity, who plausibly are at even larger risk, has not yet been described. Aim of this study was to investigate the impact of COVID-19 lockdown on eating behaviors, physical activity, screen time and quality of life (QoL) of children with severe obesity. Methods: In this mixed-methods study, questionnaires and semi-structured telephone interviews were used to investigate impact of COVID-19 during the first wave in the Netherlands (April 2020) on children with severe obesity (adult BMI-equivalent ≥35kg/m2) treated at our obesity center. The Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire - Child, Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory, and Dutch Physical Activity Questionnaire were filled out by their families pre-pandemic and during lockdown. Changes over time in percentile scores, weekly physical activity and screen time were assessed. Qualitative analyses were performed according to the Grounded Theory. Results: We included 83 families, of which 75 participated in the interviews. Their children’s characteristics were mean age 11.5years (SD 4.6), 52% female, mean BMI SD score 3.8 (SD 1.0), indicating severe obesity. On group level, no changes in scores for emotional, restrained, external eating, and QoL nor in screen time were observed (Δ scores +9.2, +3.9, +0.3; and +3.0, respectively; -0.3 hr/wk; all p>0.05). Weekly physical activity decreased (Δ -1.9 hr/wk, p=0.02). Age, pre-existent psychosocial problems and pre-pandemic questionnaire scores were associated with improved or deteriorated questionnaire scores in specific subgroups. For example, children who did not fulfill WHO physical activity criteria pre-pandemic showed a further decline from 2.8 to 0.7 h/wk (p=0.001). Children with high emotional and external eating during lockdown had the lowest QoL scores (p-values <0.01). Qualitative data showed that an increased demand for food was frequently observed (n=21), mostly in children aged <10 years (19/21). This was attributed to loss of daily structure, increased stress, or emotional eating. Families who reported no changes (n=15) or improved eating behaviors (n=11) attributed this to already existing strict eating schemes that they kept adhering to. Conclusion: This study shows differential response profiles to COVID-19 lockdown in children with severe obesity. Although on group level lifestyle scores averaged out, a substantial part of families reported deterioration in physical activity and eating behaviors. Children with pre-existent psychosocial problems, high external or emotional eating scores were most at risk. Health care professionals should target these vulnerable children to minimize short- and long-term negative physical and mental health consequences.

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Knowledge and Self-Efficacy Towards Eating Behaviors by People Living with Diabetes Mellitus

KnE Life Sciences ◽

10.18502/kls.v6i1.8617 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 288-298

Author(s):

Lisa Anita Sari ◽

Ani Astuti ◽

Diah Merdekawati

Keyword(s):

Diabetes Mellitus ◽

Eating Behavior ◽

Healthy Eating ◽

Self Efficacy ◽

Eating Behaviors ◽

Health Knowledge ◽

Bivariate Analysis ◽

Diabetic Patients ◽

Healthy Eating Behavior ◽

The Impact

Diabetes mellitus sufferers have metabolic issues caused by insulin disorders which indicate hyperglycemia. Behavior related to food and eating, including the amount of calories, dietary choices, setting a meal plan, and control dietary challenges are particularly important for diabetes mellitus sufferers owing to the impact of these measures on the speed with which blood glucose levels increase. With better understanding, diabetic patients can analyze their food intake and adopt appropriate eating behaviors. Self-efficacy can affect the patient’s commitment to their health. Knowledge and self-efficacy support healthy eating behavior patterns. This study aims to identify the relationship between knowledge and self-efficacy with regards to eating behaviors among people living with diabetes mellitus. Bandura’s promotion model was provided as a conceptual framework. A simple random sampling technique was used to recruit 201 participants with diabetes mellitus type 2. Data collection was via a Demographic Questionnaire, an Eating Behavior Questionnaire, a Diabetes Knowledge Questionnaire (DKQ), and a Diabetes Mellitus Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (DMSQ). Data was analysed using univariate and bivariate analysis. The results indicate that participants’ eating behavior, knowledge, and self-efficacy were at a low level. This study also indicated a significant relationship between knowledge (p < 0,000) and self-efficacy (p < 0,00) and eating behaviors. The results provide important information to suggests that community nurses should increase the knowledge about diabetes mellitus management and use self-efficacy to design effective intervention to promote healthy eating behavior to keep blood sugar in control. Keywords: eating behavior, knowledge, self-efficacy, diabetes mellitus

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