Psychological predictors of eating Behavior: The role of maladaptive schemas and emotion regulation across BMI, gender, and age groups

Abstract

Disordered eating behaviors, including emotional and habitual overeating, are shaped by a complex interplay of psychological, demographic, and biological factors. While genetic influences such as FTO polymorphisms have been highlighted in previous research, emerging evidence points to the pivotal role of cognitive-emotional processes—particularly early maladaptive schemas (EMS) and emotion regulation difficulties—in the development and maintenance of unhealthy eating patterns. This study investigated how EMS, emotion regulation, and eating behaviors (emotional, habitual, and restrained eating) differ across body mass index (BMI), gender, and age in a large community-based adult sample. A total of 1500 participants aged 18–65, stratified by BMI (normal weight vs. overweight/obese), gender, and age group (younger vs. older adults), completed validated measures of EMS (Young Schema Questionnaire), emotion regulation difficulties (DERS), and eating behaviors (QERB). MANOVA, ANOVA, and cluster analyses were conducted. Individuals with overweight or obesity showed significantly higher levels of maladaptive schemas (e.g., Emotional Deprivation, Abandonment, Insufficient Self-Control), greater emotion regulation difficulties, and more frequent emotional and habitual overeating. Women and younger adults were especially vulnerable, reporting higher scores in emotional eating and emotion dysregulation. Cluster analysis revealed four distinct psychological subtypes, with the most at-risk group consisting predominantly of younger women with elevated BMI, extreme schema endorsement, and poor emotion regulation. These findings emphasize the centrality of cognitive-emotional mechanisms in eating behavior across diverse groups and suggest the importance of developing tailored, schema-informed interventions. Identifying high-risk psychological profiles may enhance the effectiveness of prevention and treatment efforts targeting disordered eating and obesity in both clinical and public health settings.