Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 9, 2025

Validation of a Psychosocial Intervention on Body Image in Older People: An Experimental Design
Published on: May 31, 2021
Mediating effect of depression between self-esteem, physical appearance comparison and intuitive eating in adults
Emmanuelle Awad1, Diana Malaeb2, Nancy Chammas3
1School of Arts and Sciences, Social and Education Sciences Department, Lebanese American University, Beirut, Lebanon.
Abstract:
The first aim of the study is to clarify the associations between intuitive eating, self-esteem, physical appearance and psychological distress; and second, to assess the mediating effect of psychological distress on the relationship between self-esteem/physical appearance comparison and intuitive eating. A total of 359 Lebanese participants from several Lebanese governorates were enrolled in this cross-sectional study between September and November 2022. The data was collected through an online questionnaire that included the following scales: Intuitive Eating Scale‑2, Depression Anxiety Stress Scale, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and Physical Appearance Comparison Scale. The results of the mediation analysis showed that depression partially mediated the association between self-esteem / physical appearance comparison and intuitive eating. Higher self-esteem was significantly associated with lower depression; higher depression was significantly associated with more intuitive eating. Also, higher self-esteem was directly and significantly associated with more intuitive eating. On another hand, higher physical appearance comparison was significantly associated with higher depression; higher depression was significantly associated with more intuitive eating. Finally, higher physical appearance comparison was directly and significantly associated with less intuitive eating. The current study shows how significantly intuitive eating, an adaptive eating pattern, and psychological variables are interrelated and possibly affect each other. It helps shed light on intuitive eating, a somewhat unfamiliar eating pattern within the Lebanese population. These findings allow practitioners to promote healthy eating behaviors and psychological health by educating and guiding patients and clients about intuitive eating.
Related Concept Videos
Self-Discrepancy Theory
Self-Evaluation: Self-Enhancement and Self-Verification
Anorexia Nervosa
Symptoms and Physical Effects
Individuals with anorexia nervosa commonly exhibit extreme...
Trait and State Self-Esteem
Bulimia Nervosa
The Sense of Self: Reflected Self-Appraisal and Social Comparison

