Weight Status and Emotion- and Stress-Related Eating: Testing Constructs of the Transactional Model of Stress and Coping

ABSTRACT

Background: Stress-related eating and its determinants may differ by weight status among college students. The Transactional Model of Stress and Coping provides a framework for discussion of how individuals process stressful events.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to operationalize the constructs of the model to examine determinants of stress-related eating among college students by weight status.

Methods: Participants (n = 1070) completed an online survey, which included: Eating and Appraisal Due to Emotions and Stress Questionnaire and Perceived Stress Scale. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to examine determinants of emotion- and stress-related eating.

Results: Students who were overweight/obese reported significantly greater levels of emotion- and stress-related eating than healthy weight counterparts (p < .001). Perceived Stress Scores were not significantly related to Emotion- and Stress-related Eating Scores. Appraisal of Ability and Resources to Cope scores were positively correlated with Emotion and Stress-related Eating Scores in both healthy and overweight/obese groups (p < .0001).

Discussion: When appraisal of ability and resources to cope are added to the model, the relationship between perceived stress and stress-related eating as a coping strategy diminishes.

Translation to Health Education Practice: Health programs should support college students to develop problem-based coping strategies to improve emotion- and stress- related eating.

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Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.