The Mediating Role of Body Image in the Relationship Between Emotion Regulation and Coping Styles with Binge Eating Disorder in Women

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the mediating role of body image in the relationship between emotion regulation and coping styles with binge eating disorder.

Materials and Methods: The research design was descriptive-correlational. The statistical population included all women visiting clinics in Shiraz, and 200 women were selected using purposive sampling. The instruments used in this study were questionnaires assessing body image, emotion regulation, coping styles, and binge eating disorder. The data obtained were analyzed statistically at both descriptive and inferential levels. Descriptive statistics, such as mean, standard deviation, minimum, and maximum scores, were computed, while inferential statistics involved Pearson correlation coefficient and structural equation modeling.

Findings: The results indicated that body image, as a mediating variable, created a significant relationship between emotion regulation and coping styles with binge eating disorder. Emotion regulation was able to predict binge eating disorder both directly and indirectly. Additionally, coping styles, particularly problem-focused coping styles, contributed to reducing binge eating behaviors, while emotion-focused and avoidant coping styles had more negative effects on this disorder.

Conclusion: These results emphasize that body image can increase body dissatisfaction and contribute to the persistence of binge eating disorder.