A systematic review of the psychosocial correlates of intuitive eating among adult women. (1st January 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bruce, Lauren J.; Ricciardelli, Lina A.
• Is Part Of: Appetite. Volume 96(2016)
• Page Start: 454
• Page End: 472
• Publication Date: 2016-01-01
• Subjects: Intuitive eating -- Disordered eating -- Body image -- Emotions -- Adult women -- Systematic review; Food habits -- Periodicals; Appetite -- Periodicals; Appetite disorders -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 306.4613
• DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2015.10.012
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0195-6663

Abstract

Abstract: Intuitive eating has been proposed as an eating style that fosters a positive attitude towards food, the body, and physical activity. A systematic review of the literature was undertaken to examine intuitive eating in relation to disordered eating, body image, emotional functioning, and other psychosocial correlates in adult women. Articles were identified through Academic Search Complete, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Health Source (Nursing and Academic Edition), Medline Complete, PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES, Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection, PubMed and Scopus. Eligible studies were those that examined women aged 18 years and older, measured intuitive eating, and assessed a psychosocial correlate of intuitive eating. Twenty-four cross-sectional studies, published between 2006 and September 2015, met eligibility criteria. Intuitive eating was associated with less disordered eating, a more positive body image, greater emotional functioning, and a number of other psychosocial correlates that have been examined less extensively. However, given that all studies used cross-sectional designs, no conclusions regarding the direction of the relationship between intuitive eating and psychosocial correlates can be drawn. Participants in the majority of studies were university students in the United States so findings cannot be generalised to the wider population of female adults. Prospective studies are now needed to verify these cross-sectional findings, and show if intuitive eating may reduce disordered eating and body image concerns, and promote women's psychological health and well-being. Highlights: Intuitive eating correlated with less disordered eating and dieting practices in women. Intuitive eating was associated with a more positive body image and positive emotional functioning in women. A number of other psychosocial correlates have been examined less extensively in relation to intuitive eating. Cross-sectional studies to date have focused primarily on university student samples in the United States. Prospective studies with diverse samples of adult women are needed to verify these findings.