Correlation of Eating Attitude with Emotional Cognitive Regulation Styles, Anxiety Sensitivity and Attachment Style in Women with Obesity

Obesity is a growing phenomenon that is associated to psychological and emotional factors. The purpose of this study was to determine the correlation of eating attitude with emotional cognitive regulation styles, anxiety sensitivity and attachment style in women with obesity.

This research was a descriptive-correlational study. The statistical population of this study consisted of all women with obesity referred to a specialized weight loss clinic in Tehran in spring 2019. Using the Morgan table, 200 obese women (BMI ≥ 30) were selected by convenience sampling were chosen. Research tools were "EAT-26: Eating Attitude Test", "Anxiety Sensitivity Index", "Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire" and "Attachment Questionnaire". Were adults (AAQ: Adult Attachment Questionnaire). Data were analyzed by SPSS 23 software.

There was a significant correlation between cognitive emotion regulation styles, anxiety sensitivity and attachment style with eating attitude in women with obesity (P ≥ 0.05). With increasing anxiety sensitivity, negative cognitive emotion regulation styles, and insecure attachment (avoidance and ambivalence), eating attitude scores also increase.)

Cognitive emotion regulation styles, anxiety sensitivity, and attachment style were correlated with eating attitudes in obese women. Therefore, attention to psychological factors in prevention of emotional eating and treatment of obesity is recommended to improve their health.