Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 28, 2026

Psychophysiological Assessment of the Effectiveness of Emotion Regulation Strategies in Childhood
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Psychophysiological Assessment of the Effectiveness of Emotion Regulation Strategies in Childhood

Published on: February 11, 2017

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Trait Emotional Intelligence and Children's Eating Practices

Caterina Laganà1, Eliana De Salvo2, Francesco Preiti3

  • 1Department of Health Science, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy.

Behavioral Sciences (Basel, Switzerland)
|February 27, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Children with higher emotional intelligence eat more mindfully, reducing emotional over-eating. This suggests emotional regulation and mindful eating interventions are key for child well-being and preventing eating disorders.

Area of Science:

  • Child Psychology
  • Behavioral Science
  • Nutritional Psychology

Background:

  • Increasing prevalence of pediatric eating disorders necessitates understanding contributing factors.
  • Emotional intelligence (EI) is a known protective factor for psychosocial adjustment.
  • The impact of EI on children's eating habits requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the relationship between trait emotional intelligence, mindful eating, and emotional over-eating in children.
  • To explore the mediating role of mindful eating in the association between EI and emotional over-eating.
  • To identify potential targets for interventions addressing children's eating behaviors.

Main Methods:

  • Cross-sectional correlational study with 110 children (aged 8-12) and their parents.
  • Children completed measures of trait emotional intelligence and mindful eating.
  • Parents reported on children's emotional over-eating behaviors.

Main Results:

  • Trait emotional intelligence positively predicted mindful eating in children.
  • Mindful eating negatively predicted emotional over-eating behaviors.
  • Children with lower emotional over-eating exhibited higher levels of mindful eating.

Conclusions:

  • Trait emotional intelligence is significantly associated with children's eating behaviors.
  • Interventions promoting emotional regulation and mindful eating are crucial for preventing pediatric eating disorders.
  • Enhancing EI may be a viable strategy to improve children's eating habits and overall well-being.
Abstract

Keywords:
childrenemotional over-eatingmindful eatingtrait emotional intelligence

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