The mediating role of self-perception in the effect of perceived stress on emotional eating

In this study, the mediating role of self-perception in the effect of perceived stress on emotional eating in adults was examined. The sample of the study consists of a total of 565 people, 410 women and 155 men, aged between 18-65. Informed Consent Form, Demographic Information Form, Turkish Emotional Eating Scale, Social Comparison Scale and Perceived Stress Scale were presented online to the individuals participating in the study. SPSS 25.0 program was used in the analysis of the obtained data. When the mediating role of self-perception in the effect of perceived stress on emotional eating was examined, it was determined that perceived stress predicted self-perception. It was also found that perceived stress predicted emotional eating. When self-perception was added to the model as a mediator variable, it was determined that perceived stress and self-perception predicted emotional eating. When these findings were evaluated, it was determined that self-perception had a partial mediating role in the effect of perceived stress on emotional eating. When compared according to gender, it was observed that female participants had higher perceptions of stress and discomfort, eating when they felt nervous, and eating behaviors to cope with negative emotions than male participants. It was determined that the participants who were not satisfied with their weight had higher stress and emotional eating scores than the other participants, while the participants who were satisfied with their weight evaluated themselves more positively. It was concluded that as the education level of the individuals increased, the stress level and emotional eating behavior decreased. It was found that emotional eating behaviors and stress levels of individuals who perceive themselves as overweight are higher than those who perceive themselves as normal weight and underweight.