A comparative study of mindful eating, eating behavior, and self-compassion among emerging adults

Abstract

Background: Exposure to unattainable ideals on social media, especially among young people, is a leading cause of body dissatisfaction and distorted self-perceptions (Srivastava, 2024). Self-compassion and unconditional self-acceptance create a foundation for healthy self-regard, fostering resilience and emotional well-being. Despite existing studies highlighting the adverse effects of media on body image and eating behaviors, there needs to be more research regarding the protective role of self-compassion and mindful eating. Methodology: It was a cross-sectional online survey that used convenient and snowball sampling. The sample was 60 emerging adults from a private university in West India. The assessment measures that were used were the Self-compassion scale (SCS-26), the Eating Attitude Test (EAT-26), and Mindful Eating Behavior (MEBS-17). Results: The positive components of SCS (self-kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness) displayed a significant relationship with eating attitude and mindful eating, whereas negative components (self-judgment, isolation, and over-identification) revealed a significant relationship with eating attitude and mindful eating as well their multiple domains. Conclusion: The findings highlight that although self-compassion is a protective factor, other factors could mediate its role in eating attitude and mindful eating.