Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 19, 2025

Control of Eating Behavior Using a Novel Feedback System
Published on: May 8, 2018
Emotion-Driven Eating and Overeating Among Fourth Graders: The Roles of Body Image, Academic Achievement, and Peer
Cheryl Somers1, Carla Kevern2, E Whitney G Moore3
1Educational Psychology, Center for Health & Community Impact, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI.
Background:
Eating patterns such as breakfast consumption and fruit and vegetable intake have been associated with academic achievement and cognitive function.
Method:
The purpose of this study was to learn more about psychological (emotion-driven eating) and behavioral (over-eating) eating patterns and motives, and the roles of body image, academic achievement (reading and math), and social supports (peer acceptance and school attachment), among 378 fourth-grade students (55% boys) from 14 classrooms across 6 schools within a large Midwestern urban area.
Results:
Results were analyzed through a 2-group (male and female) path analysis. Boys' overeating (R2 = 9%) was not significantly predicted. Their emotional eating (R2 = 22.2%) was negatively, significantly predicted by peer acceptance and interaction of peer acceptance and school attachment. Girls' overeating (R2 = 13.6%) was negatively, significantly predicted by positive body image. Girls' emotional eating (R2 = 24.1%) was negatively significantly predicted by positive body image, math scores, and peer acceptance.
Conclusions:
Boys' and girls' eating patterns are differentially affected by their school experiences.
Related Concept Videos
Bulimia Nervosa
Binge Eating Disorders
Anorexia Nervosa
Symptoms and Physical Effects
Individuals with anorexia nervosa commonly exhibit extreme...
Self-Evaluation: Self-Enhancement and Self-Verification
Self-Discrepancy Theory
Obesity

