The Relationship Between Fear of Self-Compassion and Fear of Happiness with Binge Eating Disorder through the Mediation of Positive and Negative Affect in Students

The purpose of this study was to test the suitability of the proposed model for the causal relationship between fear of self-compassion and fear of happiness with binge eating disorder through the mediation of positive and negative affect in students. The statistical population included 756 people (532 girls, 224 boys) from the students of Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz in the academic year 2017-2018. The sample included 180 people (125 girls, 55 boys). The instruments used were Fear of Compassion scale Gilbert et al. (FCS), Fear of happiness scale Joshanloo (FOH), Positive and Negative Affect Scale Watson et al. (PANAS) and Garner & Garfnickel's Eating Feedback Questionnaire (EFQ). Data were analyzed using SPSS and AMOS software version 24. Our results indicated a direct relation between fear of self-compassion and fear of happiness and positive and negative emotions as well as positive and negative affects which were significant and meaningful for binge eating disorder. In addition, the indirect relation of fear of self-compassion and fear of happiness with binge eating disorder through positive and negative affects mediation were significant. Therefore, it can be concluded that reducing the fear of happiness and fear of self-compassion, which lead to an increase in positive affects, and reduction in negative affects can help people to reduce mental disorders, such as binge eating disorder.