How mindfulness influences restrictive eating through the mediation of body image: a diary report study.
Kequn Chu, Jing Ge, Huan Fan, Qinyi Wu
Frontiers in Psychology 2025 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1547354 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Observational cohort with daily diary Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 65 |
| Population | Females with restrictive eating patterns |
| Duration | 6-day daily survey |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Body image Mediation effect Restrictive eating State mindfulness Trait mindfulness Disordered eating Present moment awareness Mindful living Eating behaviors Maladaptive eating patterns Dietary restriction Unhealthy eating Body satisfaction Self-perception Physical self-concept Self-esteem Psychological mechanisms Behavioral science Mental wellness Well-being Psychological health |
| Citations | 2 |
| Key findings | Body image fully mediated the effect of state mindfulness on restrictive eating at the intra-individual level. |
Abstract
This study investigated whether body image mediates the link between mindfulness (state/trait) and restrictive eating behaviors. A 6-day daily survey of 65 females with restrictive eating patterns incorporated correlation, regression, and multilevel mediation analyses. Trait mindfulness, state mindfulness, and body image were positively interrelated, while all three demonstrated inverse relationships with restrictive eating. Both state and trait mindfulness predicted reduced restrictive eating behaviors. Critically, body image fully mediated the effect of state mindfulness on restrictive eating at the intra-individual level, suggesting that daily improvements in mindfulness enhance body image, which subsequently reduces maladaptive eating. State mindfulness mitigates restrictive eating by fostering positive body image, highlighting body image's role in mindfulness-based interventions. Further research should validate this pathway across diverse populations.