Intolerance of Uncertainty and Self-Compassion as Predictors of Emotional Eating in Adults

Abstract

The increasing stress factors and uncertainties of modern life significantly affect individuals' emotion regulation mechanisms and eating behaviors. Emotional eating has become a problem closely associated not only with obesity but also with psychological health issues. Individuals' capacity to manage emotional states is significantly influenced by their response to uncertainty and their level of self-directed compassion. This study explored how these psychological attributes—intolerance of uncertainty and self-compassion—function as potential predictors of emotion-driven eating behaviors in adult populations. The research employed a correlational design with 469 participants (350 females, 119 males) who completed a comprehensive assessment battery including the Emotional Eating Scale, Self-Compassion Scale-Short Form, Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale, and demographic questionnaires. Statistical analyses revealed significant bivariate relationships between all measured constructs. Specifically, emotional eating demonstrated positive correlations with uncertainty intolerance dimensions and a negative relationship with self-compassion. Multiple regression modeling further clarified these relationships, identifying inhibitory anxiety as a significant positive predictor of emotional eating patterns, while self-compassion emerged as a protective factor, negatively predicting such behaviors. These findings suggest that difficulty responding effectively to uncertain situations and limited self-compassionate resources may contribute to maladaptive eating responses during emotional distress. The theoretical implications and practical applications of these results are examined within the context of current literature, with recommendations for clinical intervention and future research directions.

Keywords

• Emotional Eating
• Self-Compassion
• Intolerance of Uncertainty
• Eating behavior
• Mental health

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