Trait self-compassion, daily stress and eating behaviours: a daily diary study

Self-compassion is associated with reduced stress and health-promoting behaviours through enabling a positive attitude towards the self in times of difficulty. However, limited research has investigated the role of self-compassion in understanding the relationship between daily stress and eating styles. This study examined whether trait self-compassion was associated with daily eating behaviours and eating styles. It also tested moderation and mediation models that linked trait self-compassion, daily stress and daily eating. A sample of 146 individuals completed a measure of trait self-compassion at baseline and then a 7-day daily diary. At baseline, self-compassion was found to be associated with uncontrolled, restrained, emotional, and intuitive eating styles. Multilevel modelling found that daily hassles were positively associated with total snacking (unhealthy and healthy) behaviours. Trait self-compassion was associated with less daily hassles. However, self-compassion was not associated with between-meal snack consumption and did not moderate daily stress-snacking relationships. Multilevel mediation analyses revealed no indirect effects of self-compassion on between-meal snacking, daily hassles or uplifts. Future research ought to replicate the current findings and explore fluctuations in self-compassion at a daily level. Greater understanding of a state-trait approach to self-compassion is warranted for the associations with daily stress and eating behaviours.