Perceived Sociocultural Pressure and Restrained Eating Among Chinese College Students: The Serial Mediating Roles of Self-Objectification and Body-Esteem

Objective: Restrained eating has been recognized as a maladaptive behavior linked to various adverse health outcomes, such as eating disorders and anxiety, which can significantly impact both physical and mental well-being. However, little is known about how perceived sociocultural pressures correlate with restrained eating. Therefore, based on the Tripartite Influence Model and Objectification Theory, we investigated the association between perceived sociocultural pressure and restrained eating as well as the potential mediating role of self-objectification and body-esteem in this association. Method: Participants were 1774 students aged 16–33 years (Mage = 19.28 years, 65.80% female) who completed assessments of perceived sociocultural pressure, self-objectification, body-esteem, and restrained eating. Results: The results indicated that after controlling for body mass index and sex, perceived sociocultural pressure was positively correlated with restrained eating. Self-objectification and body-esteem were serial mediators of the association between perceived sociocultural pressure and restrained eating. Discussion: These correlational results suggest that body-esteem may serve as a promising intervention target for programs designed to prevent and reduce restrained eating. In addition, these correlational findings shed light on the prevention and intervention of restrained eating and provide a new theoretical perspective on mental health. In addition, implications and directions for future research were also discussed.