Examining the association between food addiction, stress, and social competence

Food addiction (FA) is characterized by loss of control over rewarding foods, intense cravings, and persistent consumption. The aim of this study was to determine the association of FA with stress and social competence levels in adults. Young adult participants were included in the study. Participants were selected randomly. Sociodemographic data and anthropometric measurements were recorded. The Perceived Social Competence Scale (PSCS), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-14), and Modified Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0 (mYFAS-2.0) were administered. Groups were compared according to the presence of FA. Correlations among the scales were examined. A total of 1,608 participants were included in the study. The mean age was 33.15 ± 5.47 years. FA was present in 137 participants (8.5%). Among those with FA, 48 (35.1%) had mild, 72 (52.6%) had moderate, and 17 (12.3%) had severe FA. Significant differences were observed across FA subgroups in body weight, body mass index (BMI), mean PSCS, PSS-14, and mYFAS-2.0 scores, as well as in female sex, self-evaluation of body weight, satisfaction with body weight, and dieting history in the past year. A moderate correlation was found between mYFAS-2.0 and PSS-14 (r = 0.59). A strong negative correlation was found between mYFAS-2.0 and PSCS (r = − 0.74). Food addiction (FA) showed a moderate positive correlation with stress and a strong negative correlation with social competence. FA severity showed associations with sex, BMI, stress, social competence, and individuals’ self-evaluation of their body weight.