Motivations for Restrictive Dieting and Cognitive Restraint Among Polish University Students

Restrictive dieting is a common behavior among young adults and may be associated with increased vulnerability to disordered eating. University students represent a population potentially exposed to multiple influences affecting eating behaviors, including academic stress, social pressures, and appearance-related standards promoted through digital media. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between restrictive dietary practices, eating behaviors, and indicators of vulnerability to disordered eating among university students in Poland.

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 420 university students aged 19-34 years. Data were collected using an anonymous online questionnaire consisting of sociodemographic questions, the original Restrictive Diet Motivation Questionnaire (RDMQ), and the validated Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire-13 (TFEQ-13). Motivational factors were categorized into aesthetic, social, health-related, eating control, and self-discipline, and personal beliefs regarding restrictive dieting. Statistical analyses included the Gamma correlation coefficient, chi-square test, and ordinal logistic regression, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.

Restrictive dieting was reported by a substantial proportion of participants, with women reporting this behavior more frequently than men. The most prominent motivations were related to appearance, weight control, social influences, and personal beliefs regarding restrictive diets. Participants who followed restrictive diets demonstrated higher levels of cognitive restraint compared with those who did not engage in restrictive dieting. Strong associations were observed between cognitive restraint and aesthetic motivations, personal beliefs regarding restrictive dieting, social motivations, eating control and self-discipline, and health-related motivations. Multivariable analysis confirmed that aesthetic motivation, personal beliefs, previous restrictive dieting, and female sex were independent predictors of higher cognitive restraint.

Restrictive dieting among university students is strongly associated with appearance-related motives, dieting-related beliefs, and increased cognitive restraint. In this study, eating disorder risk was inferred from behavioral indicators, particularly cognitive restraint, rather than from clinical diagnostic criteria. These findings highlight the need for preventive strategies promoting evidence-based nutrition knowledge, healthy eating behaviors, and a positive body image among young adults.