Sensation of time passing during meals and risks of eating disorders: A pilot study in a non-clinical sample

This study investigated the relationship between perceived passage of time during meals and eating disorder risk in young women. Researchers hypothesized that individuals at higher risk would experience a slower passage of time and explored the connection between time perception and eating behaviors like meal duration and time to satiety. Forty female participants shared a standardized meal while being observed. Participants self-reported pre-meal hunger, meal start/end times, and time to satiety, and completed questionnaires assessing eating disorder risk (SCOFF), general tendencies toward food cravings, and meal liking. Results showed a correlation between higher SCOFF scores and slower perceived passage of time, even after controlling for meal duration. Increased social interaction and higher BMI were associated with faster time perception. No significant relationship was found between time perception and time to satiety. These findings suggest that distorted time perception may be a factor contributing to maladaptive eating patterns. The slower passage of time experienced by individuals with higher eating disorder risk could be due to heightened negative emotions and anxiety regarding food. Further research is needed to explore the underlying mechanisms and potential implications for interventions targeting time awareness and well-being in the prevention and treatment of eating disorders.