Food Cravings and Eating: The Role of Experiential Avoidance

Abstract

Food cravings have been associated with problematic eating behaviors, such as emotional eating. Late adolescence is an important developmental period to examine this association, as late adolescents have greater independence in food choices as well as potentially higher demands during a transitional period of their lives. Mechanisms underlying the association between food cravings and problematic eating remain unclear. This study examined whether experiential avoidance (EA) may be one possible mechanism mediating the association between higher levels of food cravings and problematic eating behaviors. Late adolescents (n = 174) completed measures assessing EA, food cravings, and three problematic eating behaviors: emotional eating, cognitive restraint, and uncontrolled eating. Height and weight were measured objectively to calculate body mass index (BMI). Food cravings were positively associated with emotional eating and mediated by EA. EA also significantly mediated the association between greater cognitive restraint and greater food cravings. No significant mediation was detected for food cravings and uncontrolled eating. Future research may consider EA as a treatment target in intervention strategies for late adolescents seeking to decrease emotional or restrained eating behaviors.

The Role of Acceptance in Eating Behaviors—Spanish Validation of Food Craving Acceptance and Action Questionnaire (FAAQ-S)

“…Given this factorial solution, the Acceptance items content referred to the elimination, control, or modification of thoughts or urges related to food craving. This content would correspond with the lack of acceptance as explained in the literature (Hayes et al, 2006), emphasizing that these experiences are perceived as unwanted (Fahrenkamp et al, 2019).…”

“…Food cravings are often experienced as unwanted. It has been suggested that food cravings may involve intrusive thoughts, and therefore individuals may choose to engage in ingesting food to avoid this unpleasant sensation (Fahrenkamp et al, 2019 ). In this sense, it seems that the theoretical approach of psychological flexibility from the Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) could be interesting in the explanation of food cravings and eating behavior (Juarascio et al, 2011 ).…”

Food cravings, disordered eating behaviour and alcohol abuse in Bhutonmadas - An exploratory review

“…Reactivity to food cues and impulsivity may lead to abnormal eating behaviours. 42 Eating disorders are characterized by excessive (Bahvaashinam/ Bahu Bhuk/ Bahusha Yachantam/Annapaana Ratim/ Lolam Kshudhadhikam/Kshudaatura) or insufficient food intake (Bhojana Anabhilaashinam/Anannabhilasha/Arochaka/Aahaara Dveshinam/ Anna Dveshinam/Alpaahaara/Na Kshuda). Anorexia nervosa, Bulimia nervosa, and binge eating are the most common forms of eating disorder.…”

Pengetahuan Gizi Seimbang dengan Perilaku Gizi Seimbang Mahasiswa Kos Fakultas Ekonomi Bisnis Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta

“…Terkait kebiasaan makan, remaja akhir memiliki otonomi lebih dalam mengatur asupan makanannya dan menunjukkan lebih banyak kesulitan dalam pengaturan perilaku makan (Fahrenkamp et al, 2019). Masalah yang terkait dengan konsumsi pangan pada remaja akhir yaitu, tidak peduli terhadap pemilihan makanan yang dikonsumsi, mengkonsumsi makanan yang terlalu banyak, konsumsi makanan yang mengikuti trend masa kini tanpa memprioritaskan kebutuhan gizi, dan lupa waktu makan karena banyaknya aktivitas (Moehji, 2017).…”