The effect of sociodemographic characteristics of university students on emotional eating behavior

PURPOSE: This descriptive study was conducted for the purpose of determining the effect of sociodemographic characteristics of university students on emotional eating behavior. DESIGN AND METHODS: The study was completed with a total of 537 students. A descriptive questionnaire and the Emotional Eating Scale were used. Descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression analyses were used. FINDING: It was found that emotional eating was positively correlated with body mass index and weight. It was determined that variables such as will, anger, body mass index, and weight were predictors of emotional eating. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Emotional eating is a coping response with negative emotions. It is suggested that will is the most important factor affecting emotional eating. Thus, psychological dimension of wrong eating habit should definitely be addressed.