Development of structural equations of food craving based on self-control mediated by emotional eating in obese students

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 PhD in Medicine, Tabriz Medical Sciences Branch,, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran

2 Tabriz Medical Sciences Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran.

3 PhD in Psychology, Faculty of Education and Psychology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran.

Abstract

Objective: The present study aimed to develop and test a structural equation model of food craving based on self-control, with emotional eating as a mediating variable among obese students.
Method: This applied research employed a descriptive–correlational design. The statistical population consisted of all obese students in the second level of secondary education during the 2019–2020 academic year in Ardabil, Iran. After obtaining ethical approval from the Deputy of Research and Technology of Tabriz Islamic Azad University of Medical Sciences and written informed consent from participants, 400 students were initially selected using cluster sampling to enhance diagnostic accuracy. Based on self-reported height and weight data, students at or above the 95th percentile (BMI ≥ 28) were identified as obese, resulting in a final sample of 250 students who participated online. Data were collected using standardized questionnaires, including the Food Craving Questionnaire (Cepeda-Benito et al., 2000), the Self-Control Scale (Tangney et al., 2004), and the Emotional Eating Scale (Arnow et al., 1995). Data analysis was conducted using SPSS 23 and LISREL 8.8.
Results: The results indicated that self-control had a significant negative effect on food craving, while emotional eating had a significant positive effect on food craving. Furthermore, model fit indices supported the proposed structural model, demonstrating that emotional eating played a significant mediating role in the relationship between self-control and food craving.
Conclusion: Overall, the findings emphasize the importance of designing and implementing educational and psychological interventions aimed at enhancing self-control and reducing emotional eating within obesity prevention and treatment programs for adolescents.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Journal of School Psychology
Volume 14, Issue 3
October 2025
Pages 37-28

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