Association between food addiction and time perspective during COVID-19 isolation

Abstract

Purpose The concept of time perspective (TP) implies that a mental focus on past, present, or future affect a person makes decisions and take action. Inability to plan their life for a sufficiently long time perspective due to the COVID-19 pandemic appeared to have a pronounced impact on a human's lifestyle influencing their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, including eating behavior. This study tested two hypotheses: (a) that during COVID-19 isolation, the incidence rate of food addiction is increased, and (b) people with present TP are more likely exhibited signs of food addiction (FA). Methods The final study sample included 949 people, mean age 21.8 ± 7.8 years (range: 17-71 years, women: 78.3%). Each participant indicated their personal data and completed Yale Food Addiction Scale and the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory. Results There was an increased incidence rate of FA (OR = 1.678, 95% CI = 1.324, 2.148, p = 0.000) during COVID-19 isolation. Individuals with balanced, future, and past positive TP were less likely to exhibit symptoms of FA. Persons with past negative, and present hedonistic TP were more likely to exhibit signs of FA. Conclusion There was an increased incidence rate of FA during COVID-19 isolation. Persons with shortened time horizon are more likely to exhibit symptoms of FA. Level of evidence Level V, cross-sectional descriptive study.

Time estimation and passage of time judgment predict eating behaviors during COVID-19 lockdown

“…The absence of regular social activities resulted in more time for individuals to spend in isolation. This sudden interruption led to a number of changes in people's daily routines, behaviors, and psychological experiences including changes in eating behaviors (e.g., Miniati et al, 2021 ; Borisenkov et al, 2022 ). Often, disordered eating behaviors especially during distress are examined in the contexts of mental health (Buckland et al, 2021 ).…”

Early life influences on the development of food addiction in college attending young adults

“…The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on eating behaviors in a variety of populations is substantial [ 63 ]. Investigations on its impact on food addiction rates have consistently shown higher prevalence of food addiction [ 64 , 65 ] and that food addiction symptoms and comorbidities were exacerbated during the pandemic [ 66 ]. Although the impact of COVID-19 was not measured within this study, future investigations can ask participants about its impact on their food addiction symptoms or eating behaviors.…”

The Effect of Future Time Perspective on Internet Dependence Among College Students in Pandemic Time: A Moderated Mediation Analysis

“…25,26 A body of empirical research indicates that individuals with future orientation are more likely to plan their behaviors and restrain themselves from temptations and harmful habits in order to obtain expected results. 27,28 FTP correlates negatively with gambling-addictive behaviors, 29 substance-addictive behaviors like tobacco, alcohol, cannabis, and drugs, [30][31][32] as well as the length of time spent on the massive multiplayer online role-playing game. 33,34 What is more, FTP is linked to conscientiousness 17 and self-esteem, 23 two personality traits closely associated with Internet dependence.…”