The mediator role of experiential avoidance in examining the relationship between weight self-stigma and emotional eating in overweight and obese individuals

The main purpose of this study is to determine whether experiential avoidance behaviours have a mediating role in the relationship between weight-related self-stigmatisation and emotional eating in overweight and obese individuals, and to evaluate the significance and level of this relationship. The study included overweight and obese (BMI≥ kg/m^2) participants (n=200) aged 18 years and older, without any psychological disorder and pregnancy, who applied to Inonu University Turgut Ozal Medical Center Training and Research Hospital and designated healthy nutrition clinics. Participants' weight-related self-stigmatization levels and their unhealthy eating attitudes related to their emotions were evaluated using the "Weight Self-Stigma Questionnaire" and "Emotional Eater Scale" respectively. The "Multidimensional Experiential Avoidance Scale" was used to determine the level of participants' attempts to control or change negative emotions, thoughts, and internal experiences. Participation was voluntary and the scale forms were applied face to face. The data obtained were analyzed in terms of various fit indices using IBM SPSS 25.0 package program and structural equation modeling. As a result of the analysis, a significant (p<0.001) and high level (r=0.89) positive correlation was found between the "Emotional Eater Scale" and the "Weight Self-Stigma Questionnaire" scores. In other words; It was concluded that as self-stigma related to weight increases, emotional eating behavior also increases. According to the findings evaluating the mediation relationship, it was concluded that procrastination, distraction/suppression and suppression/denial sub-dimensions of multidimensional experiential avoidance had a significant mediating effect on the relationship between weight-related self-stigmatization and emotional eating. However, no significant mediation effect was observed in behavioral avoidance, distress aversion and distress tolerance subscales. The findings were discussed in the light of the relevant literature.