Emotion regulation and binge eating: The mediating role of conflict resolution style and self- silencing

This study aimed to examine the relationships between emotion regulation difficulties, binge eating severity, conflict resolution styles in romantic relationships, and self-silencing. The study further explored whether negative conflict resolution styles and self-silencing serve as mediators in the link between emotion regulation difficulties and binge eating. A total of 285 emerging adults participated in the study, including 205 women and 80 men. Participants completed a set of self-report measures, including the Binge Eating Scale (BES), Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS-16), Conflict Resolution Styles Scale (CRSS), and Silencing the Self Scale (STSS). Pearson correlation analyses revealed that binge eating severity was positively correlated with both negative conflict resolution styles and all subdimensions of self-silencing. Independent samples t-tests showed that individuals with binge eating tendencies were more likely to use maladaptive conflict resolution strategies and less likely to use positive strategies. Two mediation analyses were conducted using PROCESS Model 4. Results indicated that both negative conflict resolution style and self-silencing partially mediated the relationship between emotion regulation difficulties and binge eating severity. These findings suggest that relational dynamics—such as destructive conflict strategies and suppression of personal needs—may help explain how emotional dysregulation contributes to binge eating. This study contributes to the literature by integrating interpersonal and intrapersonal mechanisms in the understanding of binge eating behaviors, offering implications for prevention and intervention strategies in clinical practice.