DYSFUNCTIONAL EATING BEHAVIOR, EMOTIONAL REGULATION AND MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENEGES AMONG YOUNG ADULTS

Abstract

Abstract The study examined the relationship between dysfunctional eating behavior, emotional regulation, and mental health challenges among young adults using a correlation research design. A sample of 400 participants aged 18-25, from both genders, was analyzed. Various demographic factors were considered, such as religion, education, family system, marital status, income, and parental education. Most participants were Muslim, had completed a Bachelor’s degree, came from nuclear families, attended private institutions, and were single. The study employed the Eating Aptitude Test to assess dysfunctional eating behavior, the Emotional Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ) to measure emotional regulation strategies, and the DASS scale to evaluate depression, anxiety, and stress. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, t-tests, and ANOVAs were used for data analysis. Results indicated a significant negative correlation between dysfunctional eating behavior and emotional regulation through emotional suppression (ERES) and mental health challenges. Specifically, individuals using cognitive reappraisal (ERAP) as an emotional regulation strategy exhibited fewer dysfunctional eating behaviors. No significant gender differences were found for any of the variables. Additionally, an ANOVA revealed no significant differences across family income groups, showing that income level did not influence dysfunctional eating behavior, emotional regulation, or mental health challenges.