The Predictive Level of Body Image and Self-Esteem in Emerging Adulthood on Eating Attitudes: The Mediating Role of Life Satisfaction

Background/Objectives: Psychological variables such as body image, self-esteem, and life satisfaction have become important research topics in recent years, particularly in their relationships with individuals’ eating attitudes. The purpose of this study is to examine the predictive effect of body image and self-esteem on eating attitudes in emerging adults and to evaluate the mediating role of life satisfaction in this relationship. Method: The study included 402 participants aged 18–30. Data were collected using the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26), the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSS), the Body Image Scale (BIS), and the Life Satisfaction Scale (LSS). The analyses included correlational analyses to examine relationships among eating attitudes, body image, self-esteem, and life satisfaction; multivariate regression to test the predictive roles of body image, self-esteem, and life satisfaction on eating attitudes; and structural equation modeling to evaluate the mediating role of life satisfaction in the relationships between body image, self-esteem, and eating attitudes. Result: The correlational analysis revealed that eating attitudes are associated with body image, life satisfaction, and self-esteem. Body image was identified as the most influential predictor of eating attitudes. Structural equation modeling indicated that life satisfaction mediates the relationship between self-esteem and eating attitudes. Conclusions: Body image, self-esteem, and life satisfaction play a crucial role in shaping eating attitudes among emerging adults. The mediating effect of life satisfaction underscores psychological well-being as a key regulatory factor rather than solely an outcome. Promoting positive body image, strengthening self-esteem, and enhancing life satisfaction through preventive and psychoeducational programs may help protect against disordered eating attitudes in this population.