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Emotional processing in obesity: a systematic review and exploratory meta-analysis
J Fernandes1, F Ferreira-Santos2,3, K Miller4
1Centre for Psychology at University of Porto (CPUP), Porto, Portugal.
Summary
Individuals with obesity show difficulties in identifying and processing emotions, particularly those with binge eating disorder (BED). This suggests an emotional avoidance style rather than a general deficit, impacting emotion regulation.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Psychiatry
- Obesity Research
Background:
- Obesity is linked to emotional functioning, but existing literature lacks integration.
- Understanding emotional processing in obesity is crucial for effective interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and meta-analyze emotional processing impairments in individuals with obesity.
- To explore the specific role of binge eating disorder (BED) in these impairments.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review and meta-analysis of 31 studies.
- Searched PubMed, Web of Knowledge, and PsycINFO databases (March 2016).
- Compared emotional processing in individuals with obesity (with/without BED) and control groups.
Main Results:
- Individuals with obesity exhibited higher alexithymia, difficulty identifying feelings, and externally oriented thinking.
- Obesity, especially with BED, correlated with lower emotional awareness and impaired emotion regulation (reduced cognitive reappraisal/acceptance, increased suppression).
- No deficits were found in recognizing others' emotions or verbal expression.
Conclusions:
- A general emotion-processing deficit in obesity is not supported.
- Findings suggest an emotional avoidance style may influence emotion regulation in obesity.
- Further research is needed to clarify these conclusions and the role of BED.
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