Investigation of the mediating role of self-efficacy in the relationship between depression levels and emotional eating

The aim of the study is to investigate the mediating role of self-efficacy in the relationship between depression levels and emotional eating. In addition to this aim, the relationships between depression levels, emotional eating and self-efficacy are examined. 291 adult individuals between the ages of 18-45 participated in the study. The Demographic Information Form, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Self-Efficacy Scale, and Emotional Eating Subscale of the Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire (DEBQ) were administered in the research. As a result of the analyses, a positive and significant relationship was found between depression levels and emotional eating, while a negative and significant relationship was obtained between depression levels and self-efficacy. Also, a negative and significant relationship between emotional eating and self-efficacy was found. According to the results of the mediation analyses, it was concluded that self-efficacy plays a partial mediating role between depression levels and emotional eating. In addition, it was found that the sub-scales of self-efficacy in initiating behavior, maintaining behavior, and coping with obstacles partially mediate the relationship between depression levels and emotional eating, but the sub-scale of completing behavior does not have a mediating effect. The results were evaluated in the light of current literature, and some recommendations were made for future research and clinical applications.