Prediction of eating disorder symptoms among female students based on experiential avoidance and mindfulness

Based on emotional regulation models of eating pathology, disordered eating behaviors are maladaptive efforts to avoid or escape from aversive internal experiences. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between experiential avoidance and mindfulness with eating disorders symptomology among undergraduate female students. In this descriptive-correlative research, 350 eligible female students selected by convenient sampling method in 2016. Questionnaires of Eating Disorders Diagnostic Scale (EDDS), The Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II (AAQ-II), and Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) were used. Data analysis was done by Pearson correlational analysis and multiple regression analysis. There found a positive significant relationship between eating disorder symptoms and experiential avoidance (P<0.01); and a negative significant relationship between eating disorder symptoms and mindfulness (P<0.01). The results of multiple regression analysis indicated that both constructs of experiential avoidance and mindfulness were significant predictors of eating disorders symptomology. According to the results, it can be concluded that avoidance of internal experiences and low mindfulness may play a role in disordered eating. Therefore, development of regulation strategies for applying in exposure with unpleasant experiences may be useful in prevention and treatment of eating disorder.