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Updated: Feb 28, 2026

Psychophysiological Assessment of the Effectiveness of Emotion Regulation Strategies in Childhood
Published on: February 11, 2017
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.
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.

