Mediating Role of Emotional Eating, Self-Esteem and Self-Control in Modeling of Obesity in Adolescent Girls

Background and The aim of the present research was to investigate the mediating role of self-esteem, emotional eating and self-control in relation with attachment, anxiety, depression and parenting style on obesity and overweight in adolescent girls.
A descriptive study was conducted in all female students aged 14-17 years old living in Tehran. Cluster sampling was done by which 440 students were selected. Data was collected using Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS), Baumrind parenting styles questionnaire, Harry self-esteem scale, Self-control scale, Inventory of parent and peer attachment (IPPA), and Emotional Eating Scale (EES). Data was analyzed applying Pearson's correlation, path analysis and structural equation model.
The findings indicated a positive correlation between emotional eating style and obesity (0.84) and a negative correlation between mother, father, and peer attachments and obesity (-0.72, -0.71, and 0.70, respectively). An indirect relationship was found between reactionary parenting style and obesity. The results of path analysis indicate emotional eating as the mediator variant between parenting style, anxiety and depression with obesity and overweight and self-esteem is a mediator variant between parenting style with obesity.
This study showed cognitive mechanisms in incidence of obesity and overweight in adolescent girls. Therefore, considering these factors could help researchers and psychologists in preventing such problems and using appropriate treatments.