Emotional appetite state and eating behavior examining its effect on body perception and sleep quality in adults

This study was planned to examine the effects of emotional appetite state and eating behavior on body perception and sleep quality in adult individuals. The research was conducted with a total of 384 voluntary participants, including 245 women (63,8%) and 139 men (36,2%) aged 20-64 living in Ankara. The data of individuals were collected face-to-face through a questionnaire form prepared using the Emotional Appetite Scale, Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire, Body Image Scale, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Anthropometric measurements of the participants were recorded based on their statements. Body mass index data were calculated by the researcher. Descriptive statistical methods and difference tests were utilized in data evaluation. According to the Emotional Appetite Questionnaire, female individuals' total (87,92±25,19) and negative (46,79±19,88) emotional appetite scores exhibited significantly lower than male individuals' total (95,68±31,69) and negative (53,30±22,34) scores (p<0,05). Belong to individuals negative emotional appetite scores and body mass indexes were compared, the founded difference between the underweight group (36,73±16,72) and obese group (54,30±22,35) difference to be statistically significant (p<0,05). It was concluded that the negative appetite score increased as the body mass index increased (p<0,05). According to the Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire, the restrictive eating subscale scores among male individuals and individuals with low body mass index were determined to be significantly lower (p<0,05). According to the Body Perception Scale, the body perception levels of female individuals and individuals with a high body mass index were found to be significantly lower (p<0,05). A significant negative relationship was identified between individuals' emotional and external eating behaviors and body perception (p<0,05). No significant relationship was found between "emotional appetite state and eating behaviors" and sleep quality (p>0,05). A healthy relationship can be established between emotional states and body perception with eating behavior by eating a balanced and adequate diet, maintaining ideal body weight, developing correct responses to emotional situations, and focusing on body functionality rather than body appearance.