PublicationsPublished on 20.11.2025
A path model linking emotion regulation difficulties to disturbed eating and compensatory behavior in young females
Study Information
Background
An increasing number of young females are reporting disturbed eating and compensatory behaviors (DECB), with studies showing that higher levels during adolescence not only persist into early adulthood but also are associated with the onset of subthreshold/threshold eating disorders. Emotion regulation difficulties (ERD) have been identified as one of the most relevant transdiagnostic risk factors associated with the development and maintenance of various DECB. The aim of this study was to explore the mediating mechanisms between ERD and DECB within a newly developed path model.
Methods
A total of 627 females (mean age 19.90, SD = 2.50) participated in a cross-sectional online questionnaire study. Results: The results highlighted body-related cognitive distortions (TSF-B), either alone (β = 0.160, p < 0.000), or in conjunction with body dissatisfaction (β = 0.124, p < 0.000), as key mediators.
Conclusions
This study identifies TSF-B and body dissatisfaction as key mediators in the link between ERD and DECB. These findings emphasize the importance of addressing maladaptive information processing in theoretical models and incorporating corresponding interventions in prevention and intervention programs. Further cross-sectional and longitudinal research across genders and in both clinical and community samples remain crucial.
Plain English Summary
This study explores the increasing prevalence of unhealthy eating behaviors (e.g., restrictive eating, binge eating, excessive exercise) among young females. These eating behaviors often emerge during adolescence and may persist into early adulthood, potentially developing into serious eating disorders. Difficulties with emotion regulation are seen as an important reason why many people develop and continue to engage in unhealthy eating behaviors. This study aimed to better understand the connection between emotion regulation difficulties and unhealthy eating behaviors by looking at the processes in between, using a newly developed path model. To investigate this relationship, 627 young females aged 14 to 24 completed an online questionnaire. Our findings indicate that negative thoughts about one’s body and dissatisfaction with body shape or size significantly predict unhealthy eating behaviors. Gaining a deeper understanding of these relationships can support the development of more effective treatments and targeted therapeutic programs. Continued research on these unhealthy eating behaviors across diverse populations and over time remains essential.
A new publication with the FRIC affiliation from Prof. Simone Munsch's group.