The Interaction of Intuitive Dietary Preferences in Middle-Aged Individuals with Cognitive Emotion Regulation Strategies: A Data-Driven Investigation

Abstract

Aim: The main aim of this research is to understand the relationship between intuitive eating behaviors and cognitive emotion regulation strategies in individuals between the ages of 40-65. Method: In the study, a socio-demographic data form was used to determine participants' general information, health habits, and eating habits. The Intuitive Eating Scale and Cognitive Emotion Regulation scales were employed to assess individuals' emotion regulation strategies following negative life events. The study was conducted with 149 participants. Results: According to the results of the study, no significant relationship was found between intuitive eating behaviors and cognitive emotion regulation strategies in middle-aged individuals. In addition, there was no statistically significant relationship between Intuitive Eating Scale scores and cognitive emotion regulation strategy scores in terms of gender (p>0.05). The findings also indicated that 21.5% of participants had normal Body Mass Index (BMI) values, while 49.7% were classified as slightly obese, 28.2% as obese, and 0.7% as underweight. Analyzing the impact of intuitive eating behaviors and cognitive emotion regulation strategies on BMI revealed no statistically significant relationship (p>0.05). Conclusion: The research findings demonstrate that intuitive eating behaviors in middle-aged individuals are not directly associated with cognitive emotion regulation strategies. Nevertheless, further detailed examination of the relationship between cognitive emotion regulation strategies and BMI is necessary. These results emphasize the importance of healthy eating habits and suggest the need for tailored educational programs to enhance cognitive emotion regulation skills in middle-aged individuals. Additionally, it is recommended that nutritionists and healthcare professionals provide conscious nutrition and healthy lifestyle education specifically for this age group. Conducting such studies will contribute to a better understanding of factors influencing intuitive eating behaviors in middle-aged individuals and support healthy aging.