The effects of perceived stress levels and body image on depression, anxiety and emotional eating in women

This study aims to examine the effects of perceived stress levels and body image on depression, anxiety, and emotional eating behaviors among women. Additionally, it investigates the role of demographic variables such as age group, educational level, body mass index (BMI), marital status, and socioeconomic status in these relationships. The research was conducted using a relational screening model. The sample consisted of 505 women over the age of 18 who were literate, without any physical or mental disabilities, and applied to two healthy life centers located in the Bağcılar district of Istanbul. Data were collected through six validated and reliable instruments: the Sociodemographic Information Form, the Perceived Stress Scale, the Body Image Scale, the Beck Depression Inventory, the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, and the Salzburg Emotional Eating Scale. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 30. The findings revealed significant positive correlations between perceived stress and both depression and anxiety levels, although stress did not have a significant effect on emotional eating. Similarly, negative body image was significantly associated with higher levels of depression and anxiety but showed no significant relationship with emotional eating behavior. Regression analyses indicated that perceived stress and body image were significant predictors of depression and anxiety. Some sociodemographic variables were found to cause significant differences in psychological variables; for instance, women in the 18–25 age group exhibited higher levels of depression. The results of the study highlight the influential roles of stress and body image on psychological well-being and suggest that demographic factors contribute to variations in these effects. The findings are discussed within the framework of the existing literature, and the study concludes with limitations and practical recommendations.