Investigating the Experiences of Individuals with Emotional Eating and Identifying Their Needs for Intervention: A Thematic Analysis Study

Emotional eating, characterized by a propensity for excessive consumption in response to positive or negative affect, is a primary factor contributing to numerous eating disorders. This phenomenon is prevalent among individuals experiencing stress and the rapid pace of contemporary life. The present study utilized thematic analysis, a qualitative research methodology, to discern the behavioral patterns of individuals exhibiting emotional eating tendencies. Data were gathered from participants using semi-structured, open-ended questions to explore their emotional eating behaviors. The study comprised twenty-two participants, including 12 females and 10 males. Data collection was conducted via 40-45 minute interviews using Zoom online video conferencing software. The findings indicate that emotional eating is precipitated by negative emotions such as loneliness and stress, as well as social influences. It is associated with adverse outcomes including weight gain, body image concerns, and feelings of guilt. Participants reported employing compensatory strategies, such as distraction techniques and dieting, to manage emotional eating; however, these methods proved ineffective in the long term, highlighting the necessity of addressing underlying causes. This study elucidates that the complexity of emotional eating is influenced by various individual and social factors. The participants emphasized the potential of mindfulness-based intervention programs, suggesting that such approaches could serve as effective components in multidimensional intervention strategies aimed at reducing emotional eating behaviors. Consequently, this study offers practical implications, advocating the incorporation of mindfulness-based strategies into individual, psychoeducational, and clinical interventions to mitigate emotional eating.