Investigating the relationship between self-esteem, body dissatisfaction, and emotional eating in a sample of university students: A correlational study; [Investigando la relación entre la autoestima, insatisfacción corporal y alimentación emocional en una muestra de estudiantes universitarios: Un estudio correlacional]

Abstract

Higher education represents an important stage in the personal and academic development of students. During this period, young people face challenges that can affect various aspects of their lives, such as self-esteem, body image, and eating habits. This research aimed to determine whether there is a relationship between self-esteem, body dissatisfaction, and emotional eating in a sample of Peruvian university students. A quantitative, non-experimental, correlational, and cross-sectional study was conducted. The sample consisted of 297 students selected through probabilistic sampling, who were administered the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, the Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ-14), and the Emotional Eating Questionnaire, all of which have adequate psychometric properties. Preliminary findings revealed that students had a moderate level of self-esteem and did not experience body dissatisfaction; however, the reported level of emotional eating was high. Additionally, it was found that self-esteem was inversely and significantly correlated with body dissatisfaction (rs = -0.434, p < 0.01) and emotional eating (rs = -0.337, p < 0.01). Furthermore, a direct and significant correlation was found between body dissatisfaction and emotional eating (rs = 0.646, p < 0.01). It was concluded that there is a relationship between self-esteem, body dissatisfaction, and emotional eating in a sample of Peruvian university students. Therefore, it is recommended that universities implement intervention programs focused on emotional education that promote the development of selfesteem and a positive body image. © Copyright: Federación Española de Asociaciones de Docentes de Educación Física (FEADEF).