Mindful Awareness or Self-Regulation in Eating: an Investigation into the Underlying Dimensions of Mindful Eating

Abstract

Objectives Mindful eating has been suggested to contribute a healthier relationship to food. However, its conceptualization and operationalization need further investigation. Our aim was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Hungarian version of the Mindful Eating Questionnaire (MEQ). Methods A cross-sectional survey study including a sample of Hungarian university students (N = 323) was conducted to unveil the construct validity of the MEQ. Results The results of the confirmatory factor analysis revealed an inadequate fit to the original model. Applying exploratory factor analysis (EFA) confirmed the presence of the original five factors with minor deviations from the original structure. Correlation coefficients between factors ranged from − 0.36 to 0.52. As a further step, principal component analysis of the primary factors uncovered two second-order components, self-regulation, and awareness. A multivariate regression analysis with structural equation modeling revealed that higher levels of self-regulation in eating were positively related to trait mindfulness (β = 0.13, p < 0.05) and negatively related to uncontrolled eating (β = − 0.20, p < 0.05), emotional eating (β = − 0.40, p < 0.05), and meditation practice (β = − 0.12, p < 0.05). In turn, awareness was related to lower body mass index (β = − 0.20, p < 0.05) and higher levels of emotional eating (β = 0.20, p < 0.05). Conclusions These results suggest inadequate coherence of the subscales and an unclear locus of mindful eating within the nomological network of related constructs. Our study contributes to the progress in the measurement of mindful eating by highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of the MEQ. The outcome of the construct validation testing implies the need for further exploration of mindful eating.

Do Mindful Eating and Intuitive Eating Affect Beverage Preferences? A Cross-Sectional Survey

“…This finding may be linked to the lower prevalence of high BMI. External cues can differentiate BMI classifications, with normal-weight individuals showing an increased frequency of ME in food-related settings [ 65 ]. A strong correlation was observed between ME (but not MF) and BMI, indicating that individuals with healthier body weights were more likely to follow their internal eating experiences [ 66 ].…”

Is there any Difference between Males and Females in Mindful Eating?

“…The number of items is 41 items. The dimensions are disinhibition (Inability to stop eating), awareness (Awareness pays attention to feelings and physical senses towards foods), external cues (environmental cues evoke eating behaviour), internal emotional response (eating response caused by negative emotions), and distraction (other activities that interfere with eating) (Román & Urbán, 2019). The questionnaire has acceptable validity and reliability with reliable internal consistency in each dimension.…”

Mindful eating: A conceptual critical review of the literature, measurement and intervention development

“…Finding such elaborate and accurate explanations and definitions is not true when making an inquiry through current and historic literature on mindful eating. Román and Urbán (2019) specified that ‘since there is no universally accepted definition of mindful eating, only its most commonly described features can be presented’ (p. 2111), summarising the problem within mindful eating literature. Taylor et al (2015) proposed that ‘mindful eating is operationally defined as food consumption that is driven by appropriate cues for eating’ (p. 229); a definition that is an open-ended definition that lacks preciseness.…”