The moderating role of coping strategies in relation to early maladaptive schemas and binge eating disorder

Overeating as a common health problem in the world is associated with several negative health effects and consequences. The aim of the study was to investigate the moderating role of coping styles in the relationship between early maladaptive schemas and binge eating disorder.

The present study was a correlational study. The statistical population of the study included men and women aged 23 to 65 years who referred to health centers in Tehran and also Internet users of these centers and related social media in 1398 and 1399. 409 people were selected by convenience sampling method. Bing Eating Scale, Young- Rygh Avoidance Inventory, Young Compensation Inventory and Yang early maladaptive schemas questionnaire were used to collect data. Analysis method was multiple regression using SPSS version 25.

According to the results, overeating disorder had a positive and significant relationship with early maladaptive schemas and coping styles at the level of 0.01. Also, the interaction of avoidance style and impaired autonomy and performance (β = 0.19 and P = 0.03), avoidance style and approval-seeking/recognition-seeking (β = -0.23 and P = 0.01) and extreme compensation and scope disconnection and rejection (β = -0.16 and P = 0.001) were significant in predicting binge eating disorder (P <0.05).

According to the results, the variable of coping styles in a moderating role acts on the relationship between early maladaptive schemas and binge eating disorder. In other words, early maladaptive schemas at high levels of avoidance and extreme compensation styles are associated with increased overeating disorder.