How mindfulness influences restrictive eating through the mediation of body image: a diary report study

This study investigated whether body image mediates the link between mindfulness (state/trait) and restrictive eating behaviors.

A 6-day daily survey of 65 females with restrictive eating patterns incorporated correlation, regression, and multilevel mediation analyses.

Trait mindfulness, state mindfulness, and body image were positively interrelated, while all three demonstrated inverse relationships with restrictive eating. Both state and trait mindfulness predicted reduced restrictive eating behaviors. Critically, body image fully mediated the effect of state mindfulness on restrictive eating at the intra-individual level, suggesting that daily improvements in mindfulness enhance body image, which subsequently reduces maladaptive eating.

State mindfulness mitigates restrictive eating by fostering positive body image, highlighting body image's role in mindfulness-based interventions. Further research should validate this pathway across diverse populations.