Adult eating behavior

association between character strengths, positive and negative affects

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15448/1980-8623.2023.1.39156

Keywords:

Eating behavior, Positive Psychology, Character, Affection

Abstract

Several psychological aspects are implicated in weight loss, among them the eating behavior styles: Cognitive Restriction (CR), Uncontrollable Eating (UE), and Emotional Eating (EE). Through positive and negative affect and character strengths, Positive Psychology can present resources for healthy eating behavior. This study examined the affect and character strengths of adults who undertook a weight loss program in different eating behavior styles. The approach was quantitative and correlational, involving 50 participants. The instruments were: sociodemographic questionnaire, Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire, Positive and Negative Affects Scale, and Character Strengths Scale. People who experienced lower levels of adverse affects had less EE and UE, and those with lower levels of positive affects reported more episodes of UE. On the strengths of character, people with more critical thinking, modesty, and self-regulation said greater control over their food choices, and people with more perseverance, social intelligence, hope, and spirituality had a lower incidence of EE. Those with more forgiveness, appreciation of beauty, and hope showed less UE. We concluded that the development of positive affects and some character strengths could favor healthier eating behaviors.

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Author Biographies

Adriana Pizetta, Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos (Unisinos), São Leopoldo, RS Brasil.

Master in Clinical Psychology from the University of Vale do Rio dos Sinos (UNISINOS), in São Leopoldo, RS, Brazil; specialist in Clinical Psychology from the Regional Psychology Council (CRP), RS, Brazil. Psychologist from the University of Vale do Rio dos Sinos (UNISINOS), in São Leopoldo, RS, Brazil.

Luana Thereza Nesi de Mello, Universidade do Algarve (UAlg), Faro, Portugal.

PhD in Psychology from the University of Algarve (UAlg), in Faro, Portugal; degree in Psychology from University of Vale do Rio dos Sinos (Unisinos), in São Leopoldo, RS, Brazil.

Milena Miyuki Hiratuca Ujihara, Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos (Unisinos), São Leopoldo, RS Brasil.

Psychologist at the University of Vale do Rio dos Sinos (Unisinos), in São Leopoldo, RS, Brazil.

Ilana Andretta, Universidade do Vale do Rio dos SinosUniversidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos (Unisinos), São Leopoldo, RS Brasil.

PhD in Psychology from the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), in Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; with post-doctorate from the State University of Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), in Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Master in Psychology from the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), in Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil. Professor and researcher at the University of Vale do Rio dos Sinos (Unisinos), in São Leopoldo, RS, Brazil.

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Published

2023-11-14

How to Cite

Pizetta, A., Thereza Nesi de Mello, L., Miyuki Hiratuca Ujihara, M., & Andretta, I. (2023). Adult eating behavior: association between character strengths, positive and negative affects. Psico, 54(1), e39156. https://doi.org/10.15448/1980-8623.2023.1.39156