Do I look fat in this? When self-image, intuitive eating and childhood parenting practices merge across gender

Abstract

There is a paucity of research regarding the relationship between self-image and intuitive eating in adulthood, particularly regarding the effect of childhood parenting. This report consists of two studies, one original and one replication. Study one investigated the effects of body image on intuitive eating using the Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire and Appearance Scale, and Intuitive Eating Scale-2. Body image was found to be a significant predictor of intuitive eating and gender differences revealed that males eat more intuitively than females. Study two is a follow-up of these initial findings, and focuses on the body image subscales that significantly correlated with intuitive eating and investigated only the experiences of males. The Parental Authority Questionnaire and the Self-Compassion Scale were added to gain a more in-depth understanding of variables that can influence the tendency of male intuitive eating. Intuitive eating and authoritative parenting during childhood were found to correlate with self-compassion as opposed to body image. Moreover, males reported eating for physical satiety or hungriness as opposed to emotional needs. These findings suggest an association between these variables and provide room for further research to be conducted.