The mediator role of experiential avoidance in examining the relationship between weight self-stigma and emotional eating in overweight and obese individuals.

OBJECTIVE

This study examines the mediating role of experiential avoidance in the relationship between weight-related self-stigma and emotional eating among overweight and obese individuals.

METHOD: The study included 200 overweight and obese individuals. Participants completed a questionnaire consisting of a sociodemographic information form, Emotional Eater Questionnaire (EEQ), the Weight Self-Stigma Questionnaire (WSSQ), and the Multidimensional Experiential Avoidance Questionnaire (MEAQ). The data obtained were analyzed using IBM SPSS and AMOS software packages.

RESULTS

The results indicated that higher levels of weight-related self-stigma were significantly associated with increased emotional eating. The procrastination, distraction/suppression, and repression/denial subdimensions of multidimensional experiential avoidance had a significant mediating effect in this relationship. However, no significant mediation effect was observed for the behavioral avoidance, distress aversion, and distress endurance subdimensions.

CONCLUSION

The findings indicate that emotional eating behavior increases as levels of weight-related self-stigma rise among individuals with overweight and obesity. In this relationship, cognitive dimensions of experiential avoidance play a more prominent role than behavioral components. Furthermore, no significant mediating effects were found for dimensions associated with long-term regulatory processes, such as distress aversion and distress tolerance, which may be more closely linked to broader aspects of psychological functioning. A multidimensional assessment of experiential avoidance may therefore support the development of more targeted and personalized interventions for individuals with overweight and obesity.