Emotion regulation difficulties and disordered eating in adolescents and young adults: a meta-analysis
Abstract
Eating disorders and difficulties in regulating emotions are frequent among adolescents and serve as risk factors for several health issues. Nonetheless, the relationship remains ambiguous; investigating this connection will not only elucidate the associations between the two illnesses. Nevertheless, it will offer theoretical backing for interventions targeting the pertinent illnesses. This study seeks to examine the relationship between emotion management and disordered eating while assessing the moderating influences of Body Mass Index (BMI) and gender to enhance future interventions for eating disorders. We conducted a search in April 2024 and updated it in November of the same year, encompassing literature published from 2010 to November 2024 across five English and Chinese databases. A random effects model was conducted to analyze research outcomes. This meta-analysis encompassed 23 research, demonstrating a medium positive connection between difficulties in regulating emotions and disordered eating (r = 0.418). Subgroup analyses revealed medium positive relationships between difficulties in emotion regulation and disordered eating (r = 0.428), loss-of-control eating disorders (r = 0.410), and emotional eating (r = 0.370). The meta-regression analysis revealed that gender significantly moderates this association, but BMI does not. The present study indicated that adolescents or young adults with difficulties in emotional regulation are susceptible to displaying symptoms…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 8,500 participants or records.
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