Intuitive eating and its psychological correlates: A meta‐analysis

Abstract

Objective Intuitive eating is an adaptive style of eating that has generated significant research attention. Theoretically, intuitive eating is a core construct that features prominently in the Acceptance Model of Intuitive Eating, a framework that explains how positive environmental influences can foster intuitive eating practices via body appreciation. Empirically, intuitive eating has been connected to a broad range of adaptive mental health indices. At present, a quantitative synthesis of intuitive eating and its correlates has yet to be conducted. This was the objective of the current meta‐analysis. Method Ninety‐seven studies (89% cross‐sectional) were included. Random effects meta‐analyses were conducted on 23 psychological correlates, divided into three clusters: eating behavior and body image disturbances, positive body image and other adaptive factors, and general psychopathology. Meta‐analytic path analyses were also computed to test the validity of the Acceptance Model. Results Intuitive eating was inversely associated with multiple indices of eating pathology, body image disturbances, and psychopathology (rs = −.23 to −.58). Intuitive eating was positively associated with numerous positive psychological constructs, such as positive body image, self‐esteem, and wellbeing (rs = .20 to .58). Men reported higher levels of intuitive eating than women (d = 0.39), with differences being largest in Caucasian samples. Meta‐analytic path analyses strongly supported the hypothesized pathways specified in the Acceptance Model of Intuitive Eating. Conclusions There is a strong evidence base for intuitive eating's connection to numerous adaptive psychological constructs. Attention should now shift toward prospective and experimental designs so that the temporal nature of these relationships can be identified.

Positive body image, intuitive eating, and self‐compassion protect against the onset of the core symptoms of eating disorders: A prospective study

“…Meta-analyses revealed robust negative relationships between intuitive eating and various indices of body image concerns, eating disorder symptoms, and psychological distress (Linardon, Tylka, et al, 2021). Recent prospective studies of intuitive eating have also emerged, highlighting the potentially adaptive role of this style of eating.…”

“…The majority of empirical research on intuitive eating is also cross sectional. A meta-analysis of the intuitive eating literature found 90% of the studies to be cross sectional (Linardon, Tylka, et al, 2021).…”

The Positive Body Image among Adolescents Scale (PBIAS): Conceptualization, development, and psychometric evaluation among adolescents from Belgium

“…Body self-care has been repeatedly identified as a key expression of positive body image (Cook-Cottone, 2015;Cook-Cottone & Guyker, 2018;Frisén & Holmqvist, 2010;Wood-Barcalow et al, 2010). For instance, self-care practices such as exercise and intuitive eating have previously been linked to positive body image and well-being in adults (Linardon, et al, 2021;Wood-Barcalow et al, 2010). Mindful self-care, which involves acknowledging, valuing, and responding to the body's physiological and psychological needs appropriately, has been studied with adults (Cook-Cottone & Guyker, 2018), but the breadth of this research has yet to be extended to adolescents.…”

Self-Compassion as a Mediator of the Relationship between Adult Women’s Attachment and Intuitive Eating

“…Considering that intuitive eating requires interoceptive awareness, does not impose dietary restriction for weight loss, and does not encourage the categorization of food to be “good” or “bad”, intuitive eating is negatively associated with food restriction and binge eating, shape and weight concerns, and internalization of the thin-ideal [ 36 ]. Intuitive eating is also positively associated with greater general wellbeing, positive self-perceptions and attitudes, such as self-esteem, self-compassion, and other resilient attributes, such as mindfulness [ 36 ].…”

“…Considering that intuitive eating requires interoceptive awareness, does not impose dietary restriction for weight loss, and does not encourage the categorization of food to be “good” or “bad”, intuitive eating is negatively associated with food restriction and binge eating, shape and weight concerns, and internalization of the thin-ideal [ 36 ]. Intuitive eating is also positively associated with greater general wellbeing, positive self-perceptions and attitudes, such as self-esteem, self-compassion, and other resilient attributes, such as mindfulness [ 36 ]. Given the vast number of psychosocial correlates of intuitive eating, a theoretical model by Avalos and Tylka [ 37 ] has been proposed that explains the associations between early life environments, internal and external monitoring of the body, and intuitive eating.…”