Determinant factors that influence emotional eating behavior in Generation Z

Generation Z faces increasing mental health challenges, often leading to maladaptive coping strategies, such as emotional eating and using food to manage negative emotions. This behavior contributes to poor dietary patterns and a higher risk of noncommunicable diseases. Despite rising concerns, the psychological determinants of emotional eating among Indonesian youth remain underexplored. This study aimed to examine psychological factors associated with emotional eating in Generation Z. A cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted among 110 Generation Z individuals aged 12–27 years who exhibited a tendency toward emotional eating. The participants were selected using purposive sampling. Three instruments were used for data collection: a demographic questionnaire, psychological factors questionnaire, and Emotional Eater Questionnaire. Data was analyzed using chisquare tests for bivariate associations and binary logistic regression for multivariate analysis, to identify the most influential psychological predictors of emotional eating. Anger, boredom, anxiety, stress, and depression were significantly associated with emotional eating (p<0.05). Stress and boredom are the most influential predictors. Stress and boredom are the key psychological drivers of emotional eating in Generation Z. This maladaptive behavior increases the risk of disordered eating and non-communicable diseases. Interventions that enhance emotional regulation and stress management are crucial to mitigate these risks.