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Intuitive eating and its psychological correlates: A meta-analysis
Jake Linardon1, Tracy L Tylka2, Matthew Fuller-Tyszkiewicz1,3
1School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia.
The International Journal of Eating Disorders
|March 31, 2021
Summary
Intuitive eating is linked to better mental health, including positive body image and well-being. This meta-analysis confirms its adaptive nature and supports the Acceptance Model of Intuitive Eating.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Nutrition Science
- Mental Health Research
Background:
- Intuitive eating is an adaptive eating style gaining research interest.
- The Acceptance Model of Intuitive Eating links environmental factors to intuitive eating via body appreciation.
- Existing research connects intuitive eating to various adaptive mental health outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a quantitative synthesis (meta-analysis) of intuitive eating and its psychological correlates.
- To test the validity of the Acceptance Model of Intuitive Eating using meta-analytic path analyses.
Main Methods:
- A meta-analysis of 97 studies (89% cross-sectional) was performed.
- Twenty-three psychological correlates were analyzed, grouped into eating pathology, positive body image/adaptive factors, and general psychopathology.
- Meta-analytic path analyses were used to evaluate the Acceptance Model.
Main Results:
- Intuitive eating showed inverse associations with eating pathology, body image disturbances, and psychopathology (rs = -.23 to -.58).
- Positive associations were found between intuitive eating and constructs like positive body image, self-esteem, and well-being (rs = .20 to .58).
- Men reported higher intuitive eating than women; differences were largest in Caucasian samples. The Acceptance Model was strongly supported.
Conclusions:
- There is robust evidence for intuitive eating's association with adaptive psychological constructs.
- Future research should utilize prospective and experimental designs to understand the temporal nature of these relationships.
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