The aim of this study is to examine the mediating roles of difficulties in emotion regulation and perceived stress in the relationship between self-compassion and emotional eating. The sample consisted of 300 participants older than 18 years. Data were collected online using the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale, Perceived Stress Scale, Self-Compassion Scale, and Emotional Eating Scale. Relationships among variables were examined using Pearson correlation analysis, and mediation analyses were tested using the bootstrap method. The results indicated that the positive dimensions of self-compassion such as self-kindness and mindfulness were negatively associated with difficulties in emotion regulation, whereas negative dimensions such as self-judgment, isolation, and overidentification were positively associated with both difficulties in emotion regulation and perceived stress. Mediation analyses revealed that difficulties in emotion regulation served as a consistent and significant mediator in the relationship between all dimensions of self-compassion and emotional eating, whereas perceived stress did not function as a significant mediator in any of the tested models. These findings suggest that emotional eating is more closely related to individuals’ capacity to regulate negative emotions rather than to the mere presence of stress. The results highlight the importance of strengthening emotion regulation skills and reducing the negative components of self-compassion in interventions targeting emotional eating behavior.