Emotional intelligence, emotion regulation and affectivity in adults seeking treatment for obesity

Emotion regulation and mental health across cultures: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Emotion regulation (ER) plays a central role in mental health, but the effect differs across cultures. Here, expanding from extant literature's focus on Western-Eastern dichotomy or individualism-collectivism, this meta-analysis synthesized evidence on the associations between the two most-studied ER strategies (cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression) and two mental health outcomes (psychopathology and positive functioning) and investigated the moderating roles of several cultural dimensions: Hofstede's national cultures dimensions, education, industrialization, richness and democracy (EIRDness), and sample demographics. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using electronic databases (CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO and MEDLINE) to identify eligible studies reporting relationships between ER and mental health outcomes (PROSPERO: CRD42021258190, 249 articles, n = 150,474, 861 effect sizes, 37 countries/regions). For Hofstede's national cultures and EIRDness, multimodel inference revealed that greater reappraisal propensity was more adaptive in more short-term-oriented, uncertainty-tolerant and competition-driven cultures, whereas greater suppression propensity was more maladaptive in more indulgent and competition-driven cultures. For demographics, greater reappraisal propensity was more adaptive for samples with more female (B = -0.19, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.29 to -0.09) and more racial minority participants (B = -0.32, 95% CI -0.51 to -0.13), whereas greater suppression propensity was more maladaptive in younger samples (B = -0.004, 95% CI -0.005 to -0.002). These findings elucidate how cultures are associated with the function of ER and suggests ways in which future studies can integrate cultural characteristics when examining ER and psychological adjustment.

Emotional Intelligence and Behavioural Addictions: A Systematic Review

Background: The role of emotional intelligence on the experience of behavioural addictions is a growing area of research interest. However, there are operationalisation issues in studying both emotional intelligence and behavioural addictions separately. This review aims to report on the existing literature of studies exploring the relationship between these two concepts, and to identify gaps in research practice in order to inform future studies. Methods: A search, covering the date range of 2013-2024, conducted in five databases in August 2024 identified 43 articles, reported according to PRISMA 2020 guidelines. The findings are discussed under four subheadings: technology-related behavioural addiction, internet gaming disorder, eating disorders, and consumer behaviour and compulsive buying. Results: Overall, the results show that emotional intelligence is negatively correlated with behavioural addictions and plays both a moderating and mediating role in the associations between behavioural addictions and other negative outcomes such as suicidal ideation, rumination, fear of missing out, and depression. Conclusions: In addition to summarising studies and controversial discussions on emotional intelligence and behavioural addictions, this review suggests possible roadmaps to ensure more accurate research outcomes by highlighting the importance of theoretical and methodological distinctions between trait and ability models of emotional intelligence.

Psychoneurological Links Contributing to Body Mass Index and Eating Disorder Severity

BACKGROUND-OBJECTIVES

Multiple dynamic interacting factors contribute to the presence and progression of eating disorders (ED). Empirical research has provided mixed findings regarding the mechanisms explaining the contribution of body mass index (BMI) to the diverse ED endophenotypes. The present study aims to evaluate the underlying processes (direct and indirect effects) contributing to BMI and ED severity, considering the contribution of multiple neuropsychological constructs.

METHOD

Path analysis, implemented through structural equation models (SEM), was applied to a sample of N = 193 ED patients, men and women, aged 17 to 50 years old, and diagnosed with bulimia nervosa, night eating syndrome, binge eating disorder, and other specified feeding.

RESULTS

BMI was directly associated with ED severity level. The ED symptom level was also a mediational link into the relationship between BMI with emotion regulation strategies, decision-making capacity, stress levels, and impulsiveness. Multigroup SEM revealed invariance of the structural coefficients by sex, but differences according to the ED subtype.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides new empirical evidence on predictors of ED severity, focusing on the role of impaired decision-making and BMI. Our results could contribute to new intervention plans with techniques specifically aimed at improving emotional regulation capacity, decreasing impulsivity levels, and improving reasoning skills. Nutrition education plans may also play a key role for preventing the onset and progression of ED, helping patients understand how food affects their physical and emotional health and how to manage anxiety and fears related to food.

Emotion dysregulation and obesity: A conceptual review of the literature

Problematic eating behaviours are prevalent in individuals living with obesity and have been linked to weight gain over time. Furthermore, there is evidence that heightened negative emotionality is common in a subset of individuals living with obesity and that negative emotions often precede problematic eating behaviours. Consequently, several theories have highlighted emotion dysregulation as a potential explanatory mechanism of this relationship. However, to date, no comprehensive review has compiled the specific ways in which individuals living with obesity exhibit emotion dysregulation. The present review utilizes Gratz and Roemer's (2004) multidimensional conceptualization of emotion regulation and dysregulation as a framework to summarize the extant literature on emotion dysregulation in obesity. Specifically, this review examines research related to: (1) awareness and clarity of emotions; (2) acceptance of, and willingness to experience, emotion; (3) the ability to remain goal directed and inhibit impulsive behaviour when distressed; and (4) access to emotion regulation strategies. Overall, findings from the present review demonstrate that individuals living with obesity exhibit deficits in emotion clarity, and experience difficulty inhibiting impulsive behaviour and remaining goal directed when experiencing emotion. Strengths and limitations of the literature are reviewed, and future research directions and clinical implications are discussed in light of these findings.

Exploring emotional intelligence in children using the trait emotional intelligence questionnaire: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Measuring psychological constructs in children presents unique challenges, as careful consideration of children's cognitive and socioemotional development is needed. The Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire-Child Form (TEIQue-CF) was developed within the theoretical underpinnings of trait Emotional Intelligence theory and is predicated on primary aged children. This review aims to systematize the scientific literature on the TEIQue-CF, its corresponding short form, the TEIQue-CSF and the translated versions of these tools to identify the key outcomes predicted by these forms in children aged 8-13 years.

METHOD

A search was conducted in Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and APA PsycArticles in June 2024. This review was guided by the latest version of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.

RESULTS

Conducted search identified 40 studies that investigated child emotional intelligence measured via TEIQue child forms. The key findings cover several topics related to the emotional aspects of children's personalities, such as their intra- and interpersonal relationships, school life, cognition, and creativity.

CONCLUSIONS

This systematic review revealed that trait Emotional Intelligence measured via the TEIQue child forms provide reliable results and is valid, as it has been linked to key childhood variables. This review also provides guidance for future research on the topic of trait Emotional Intelligence in children by highlighting current research limitations to avoid the likelihood of misleading research findings.

Evaluation of the relationship between childhood traumas and emotion regulation skills in terms of adult obesity

This study aims to reveal the relationship between childhood traumas and emotion regulation skills of obese and non-obese individuals. The research is a comparative-descriptive and correlational study. The obese group included 52 people with a BMI ≥ 30, and the non-obese group included 58 people with a BMI ≤ 25 kg/m2. Information Form, Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), and Emotion Regulation Skills Questionnaire (ERSQ) were used in the study data. The rates of total childhood trauma and physical neglect were significantly higher in obese individuals (53.8 % vs. 32.8 %; 50 % vs. 22.4 %, respectively) than in non-obese individuals. Obese individuals were found to have lower emotion regulation skills. While a significant inverse relationship was found between childhood trauma and emotion regulation skills total and sub-dimension scores in obese individuals, no significant relationship was found in non-obese individuals. Psychiatric-mental health nurses can play an active role in the prevention and treatment of obesity by providing emotion regulation training to individuals in their roles as counselors and educators.

Relationship between Internet addiction and body mass index and the predictive role of emotion dysregulation

In recent years, the widespread use of the Internet has led to increasing concerns about problematic behaviors related to excessive Internet use and their potential consequences. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between Internet addiction (IA), body mass index (BMI), and emotion dysregulation (ED). Specifically, the study aimed to determine if IA significantly predicts obesity and if both Internet addiction and obesity can be significantly predicted by ED. 367 school-attending adolescents (Mage = 13.35; SD = 0.82; 49% girls) in Tekab participated in the study. Participants completed the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS) and the Internet Addiction Test (IAT), while BMI was calculated using self-reported data to assess their obesity levels. The results indicated that ED significantly predicted both IA and increased BMI levels (p < 0.001). Furthermore, IA also significantly predicted elevated BMI levels (p < 0.001). Our findings showed that ED significantly predicted both higher IA and BMI values, while IA also significantly predicted elevated BMI levels These results have important implications for treatment. To address excessive Internet use or overeating behavior in individuals with either condition, it may be necessary to target the underlying emotional dysregulation that contributes to the problem.

Body image, emotional intelligence and quality of life in peritoneal dialysis patients

BACKGROUND

End-stage-renal-disease is one of the most common chronic diseases, and peritoneal dialysis constitutes one of the replacement therapies. The aim of this study was to investigate the views of patients on peritoneal dialysis regarding their body image, to assess their quality of life and level of emotional intelligence.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was performed with structured questionnaires. The sample of the study was the patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis and monitored by the nephrology clinics of 7 public hospitals in Greece.

RESULTS

A total of 102 completed questionnaires were collected and analyzed (68% response rate). The participants showed moderate degree of body-image dysphoria (mean = 1.29, SD = 0.94), moderate levels of emotional intelligence and experienced moderate quality of life. According to the statistical analysis, women reported worse body image (p = 0.013) and university graduates showed higher levels of emotionality (p = 0.016). The correlations between the quality of life questionnaire subscales and demographic characteristics revealed statistically significant relationships between marital status and the Physical Functionality subscale, where unmarried people had a better quality of life in this subscale (p = 0.042) and between postgraduate/doctoral degree holders and the subscale Patient Satisfaction (p = 0.035). Also, statistically significant relationships were found between occupation and the Social Interaction subscale, where those engaged in household activities and were unemployed (p = 0.022) showed better quality of life. Participants living in semi-urban areas had better quality of life on the subscale Burden of Kidney Disease (p = 0.034).

CONCLUSION

ESRD patients on peritoneal dialysis suffer significant limitations related to disease and treatment modality. According to our findings, these affect both their body image as well as their quality of life. Improvement in emotional intelligence is the factor which plays an important mediating role in improving both body image and quality of life in patients on peritoneal dialysis.

The Association between Personality Factors and Metabolic Parameters among Patients with Non-Alcoholic-Fatty Liver Disease and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus-A Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND

The increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) states a serious problem for public health. The introduction of effective methods of treatment and prevention is crucial to avoid complications of these diseases. Among them, we can specify psychological factors that affect everyday life and determine the patient's attitude towards therapy, and what follows, their compliance in treatment. The literature indicates these connections in various ways; in our study, we extend this view to include a broader perspective of human personality.

OBJECTIVE

We decided to investigate the associations between personality factors and metabolic parameters in patients with NAFLD and T2DM in order to better understand the patient's approach to the treatment of a chronic disease, such as those mentioned, and to establish the basis for further research implementing psychological interventions in the treatment of NAFLD and T2DM.

METHODS

One hundred participants with NAFLD and T2DM underwent blood tests and anthropometric measures. Each of them was asked to complete five questionnaires evaluating their personality properties.

RESULTS

We revealed that a rise in body mass index is related to a fall in the emotional intelligence factor of utilizing emotions, and a rise in emotional perception. The decrease in task-oriented coping style and a rise in emotion-oriented coping style are associated with a waist-hip ratio increase. The increase in fasting plasma glucose is predicted by a decrease in task-oriented coping style score. A fall in social diversion coping style score is associated with a high-density lipoprotein increase; in turn, a triglycerides increase is connected with a decline in rhythmicity score.

CONCLUSIONS

The personality factors are in relationship in the management of NAFLD and T2DM. They affect a patient's approach to treatment, which is very important, because we know lifestyle and dietary interventions are an important part of the treatment of these diseases. The compliance manifests by lifestyle modifications, taking medications regularly, measuring blood glucose, and inspection visits in outpatients' clinics are a large part of a diabetic's life. Future studies introducing psychological intervention to improve, e.g., coping styles or rhythmicity are needed to implement new methods of patient management.

Vegetarianism and weight status: What are the differences in eating styles, impulsivity, and emotional competences? A preliminary study

Recent studies suggest that vegetarian diets may be recommended to promote weight loss in individuals living with obesity. However, limited studies have examined psychological factors (e.g., eating styles, impulsivity) among individuals who have adopted this type of diet, even though these factors are known to play a role in being overweight. The primary objective of the present study was to compare these characteristics in participants living with obesity or those with normal-weight across diet types. Participants were recruited from two hospital nutrition departments and the general population. They completed a diagnostic interview assessing the presence of an eating disorder, followed by self-administered questionnaires measuring dysfunctional eating styles (DEBQ), impulsivity (UPPS), and emotional competence (PEC). Vegetarian participants living with obesity engaged in more dysfunctional eating styles than did normal-weight omnivores and experienced more emotional difficulties than did both normal-weight omnivores and vegetarians. In contrast, there were no significant differences between omnivore participants living with obesity and those in the other groups. Moreover, participants living with obesity had comparable emotion regulation abilities to normal-weight participants. These results suggest that emotion regulation deficits can more likely be explained by the presence of psychopathological traits than by being overweight or one's choice of diet.

Mediterranean Diet Adherence, Body Mass Index and Emotional Intelligence in Primary Education Students-An Explanatory Model as a Function of Weekly Physical Activity

Adolescence is a key developmental period from a health, physical and psychological perspective. In view of this, the present research aimed to establish the relationship between emotional intelligence, Mediterranean diet adherence, BMI and age. In order to address this aim, (a) an explanatory model is developed of emotional intelligence and its relationship with Mediterranean diet adherence, BMI and age, and (b) the proposed structural model is examined via multi-group analysis as a function of whether students engage in more than three hours of physical activity a week. To this end, a quantitative, non-experimental (ex post facto), comparative and cross-sectional study was carried out with a sample of 567 students (11.10 ± 1.24). The instruments used were an ad hoc questionnaire, the KIDMED questionnaire and the TMMS-24. Outcomes reveal that participants who engage in more than three hours of physical activity a week score more highly for emotional intelligence than those who do not meet this criterion. Furthermore, it was also observed that, whilst the majority of the sample was physically active, improvement was required with regards to Mediterranean diet adherence.

Metacognition and Self-determination, Impulsivity and Emotional intelligence, and its relation with wellbeing and health indicators in young adults

Background: From the evidence, it is inferred the influence of cognitive or motivational variables over the emotional ones and from these on the perception and self-reported wellbeing and health, with direct implications for health promotion and prevention. Method: a quantitative approach, descriptive, correlational cross-sectional with statistical explanatory analysis investigation was conducted, analyzing the data through path modeling of the partial least squares approach of the structural equations model, by using the Smart PLS software 3.3.2 version, analyzing consequently the convergent and discriminant validity of the model. A total 223 undergraduate university young adult students was evaluated, 41 men (18,4%) and 182 women (81,6%) with ages between 18 and 30 years old (µ= 24,26 y σ=±3,30), from Bogotá Colombia participated. Results: The results allowed to significant relations between the self – determination with the impulsivity and emotional intelligence, and from these with the psychological well-being and healthy habits. There were not identified significant relations between the metacognition and the impulsivity, although there are between metacognition and emotional intelligence. Conclusions: The proposed model about the significant relations between metacognition and self-determination with impulsivity and emotional intelligence and between these and the psychological well-being and healthy habits was confirmed. The specific result related to the absence of significant relations between metacognition and the impulsivity suggest for futures research, to emphasize on the metacognitive process implicated on the emotional components. The results are discussed, its implications and the necessity to be considered more determinants for the promotion of health.

Relationship between Emotional Intelligence, Sleep Quality and Body Mass Index in Emergency Nurses

Nurses have long working hours with high psychological burdens. In addition, in the emergency department, nurses are required to quickly adapt emotionally. The aim of this study was to describe and relate emotional intelligence (EI) skills of emergency nurses, their body mass index (BMI) and sleep quality. For this purpose, a cross-sectional was carried out in which the perceived emotional intelligence test and the Pittsburgh sleep quality index were applied. Sixty-two emergency nurses (48 women and 14 men) participated. The results indicated that the majority of them present adequate levels of EI, with no differences by gender. Younger nurses showed a better ability to feel, express and understand emotional states than the older ones, while the ability to regulate emotional states occurred in the opposite way. Nurses who have been working for several years showed a better ability to regulate emotions than those with less experience. Those who were overweight grade II and obese type I expressed their feelings better, also the regulation of emotional states decreased as weight increased. Finally, it has been observed that the quality of sleep of emergency nurses is significantly altered, and that this lack of sleep may affect their ability to process emotions.

The Prediction of Body Mass Index from Negative Affectivity through Machine Learning: A Confirmatory Study

This study investigates on the relationship between affect-related psychological variables and Body Mass Index (BMI). We have utilized a novel method based on machine learning (ML) algorithms that forecast unobserved BMI values based on psychological variables, like depression, as predictors. We have employed various machine learning algorithms, including gradient boosting and random forest, with psychological variables relative to 221 subjects to predict both the BMI values and the BMI status (normal, overweight, and obese) of those subjects. We have found that the psychological variables in use allow one to predict both the BMI values (with a mean absolute error of 5.27-5.50) and the BMI status with an accuracy of over 80% (metric: F1-score). Further, our study has also confirmed the particular efficacy of psychological variables of negative type, such as depression for example, compared to positive ones, to achieve excellent predictive BMI values.

Mood disorders comorbidity in obese bariatric patients: the role of the emotional dysregulation

BACKGROUND

Obese patients seeking bariatric surgery are known to show high rates of mental disorders, mainly mood and eating disorders. The aim of the present study is to evaluate psychiatric comorbidities, affective temperamental dimensions, emotional dysregulation and impulsivity in a sample of obese bariatric patients, exploring the differences between obese patients with and without mood disorders (MD).

METHODS

A total of 69 obese patients were consecutively enrolled between March and November 2019 during the presurgical evaluation routinely performed before the bariatric intervention. Sociodemographic and clinical features were collected by psychiatrists during a single consultation. Affective temperaments, emotional dysregulation and impulsivity were also investigated through self-report questionnaires. Epidemiological and clinical variables were compared between patients with and without MD.

RESULTS

In our sample, almost 3 out of 4 patients presented a lifetime psychiatric disorder, mainly MD (n=33, 48%), binge eating disorder (BED) (n=34, 49%) and anxiety disorders (n=30, 43%). Compared to N-MD patients, those with MD showed higher rates of psychiatric comorbidity with BED, bulimia and panic disorder. In addition, obese patients with MD showed more frequently cyclothymic, depressive and anxious temperaments, and higher mean scores on the psychometric questionnaires assessing emotional dysregulation and impulsivity compared to obese subjects without MD.

LIMITATIONS

the small sample size, the retrospectively assessment of psychiatric disorders and the self-report questionnaires.

CONCLUSIONS

A subgroup of obese patients, especially among those with MD, show high emotional dysregulation, affective lability and impulsiveness that could represent suitable substrates for the development of compulsive and addictive eating habits.

Eating in case of emotion dys-regulation, depression and anxiety: Different pathways to emotional eating in moderate and severe obesity

Emotion dys-regulation is thought to be involved in the development and maintenance of emotional eating (EE), notably through its links with anxious and depressive symptoms. AIM: The aims of the study were to: (a) examine the mediating effect of depressive and anxious symptoms on the relationship between emotion dys-regulation and EE in obesity and (b) compare those links with various degrees of obesity severity. One hundred and twenty patients with obesity, including 60 with "n" (MO) (30 ≤ BMI < 40) and 60 with "severe obesity" (SO) (BMI > 40), completed self-report measures of emotion dys-regulation, depression, anxiety and EE. Partial least square structural equation modelling and multi-group analyses were performed. Emotion dys-regulation was found to be significantly associated with EE only when the severity of obesity was taken into account. In addition, although the MO and SO groups reported similar levels of emotional and eating disorders, significant differences were found between the groups in pathways leading to EE. In MO, emotion dys-regulation was only associated with more EE through more anxiety. In SO, emotion dys-regulation was both directly and indirectly associated with more EE, but only through more depression in the latter. Emotion dys-regulation, anxiety and depression do not have the same impact on EE depending on the severity of obesity. Psychotherapeutic interventions should aim at reducing emotion dys-regulation in obesity from MO onwards, but the focus should be on the management of anxiety-related affects in MO and depression-related affects in SO.

Sex-Specific Relationships Between Interoceptive Accuracy and Emotion Regulation

Over the last years, there has been a resurge in the interest to study the relationship between interoception and emotion. By now, it is well established that interoception contributes to the experience of emotions. However, it may also be possible that interoception contributes to the regulation of emotions. To test this possibility, we studied the relationship between interoception and emotion regulation in a sample of healthy individuals (n = 84). We used a similar heartbeat detection task and a similar self-report questionnaire for the assessment of interoceptive accuracy and emotion regulation as in previous studies. In contrast to previous studies, we differentiated between male and female individuals in our analyses and controlled our analyses for individual characteristics that may affect the relationship between interoceptive accuracy and emotion regulation. We found sex-differences in interoceptive accuracy and emotion regulation that amounted to a sex-specific relationship between interoceptive accuracy and emotion regulation: Whereas interoceptive accuracy was related to reappraisal but not to suppression in male individuals, interoceptive accuracy was unrelated to reappraisal and suppression in female individuals. These findings indicate that the relationship between interoception and emotion regulation is far more complex than has been suggested by previous findings. However, these findings nonetheless support the view that interoception is essential for both, the regulation and experience of emotions.

Difficulties in emotion regulation and deficits in interoceptive awareness in moderate and severe obesity

PURPOSE

Difficulties in emotion regulation and deficits in interoceptive awareness may be responsible for overeating and weight gain in obesity by increasing the risks of problematic eating behaviors. This study aimed to: (1) examine emotion regulation difficulties and interoceptive deficits in obesity; (2) compare the emotion regulation and interoceptive abilities of moderately and severely obese patients.

METHODS

Participants were recruited through the university, diabetology centers and bariatric surgery departments. A total of 165 participants were categorized in three groups, matched by age and gender, according to their Body Mass Index (BMI). The severely obese (SO), moderately obese (MO) and normal weight (NW) groups were constituted of 55 participants each. Self-report questionnaires were used to assess emotion regulation difficulties (CERQ-DERS) and interoceptive awareness (MAIA-FFMQ).

RESULTS

Overall, obese participants reported more emotion regulation difficulties and less interoceptive awareness than NW participants did. They also reported a lack of planning strategies and emotional awareness, as well as less ability to observe, notice and trust body sensations. No differences in emotion regulation and interoceptive abilities were found between MO and SO participants.

CONCLUSIONS

Emotion regulation and interoceptive awareness should be targeted in the psychotherapeutic care of obese people, regardless of their BMI.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, case-control analytic study.

Sleep Quality and the Mediating Role of Stress Management on Eating by Nursing Personnel

(1) Background: The work schedule of nursing personnel often involves double or continuous shifts and sources of stress derived from the work context, making it necessary to ensure their rest and eating habits contribute to a healthy lifestyle. The objective of this study was to analyze the mediating role of stress management on the effect that sleep quality has on uncontrolled and emotional eating by nursing professionals. The Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire-R18 was applied to measure uncontrolled and emotional eating, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index as a measure of sleep quality, and the EQ-i-20M for the stress management component of emotional intelligence. (2) Methods: A sample of 1073 nurses aged 22 to 57 years was selected for this purpose. (3) Results: The main result of this study was that stress management was a mediator in the effect of sleep quality on uncontrolled and emotional eating. Furthermore, low scores for sleeping problems correlated with high scores for stress management. The results also revealed a strong negative association between stress management and uncontrolled and emotional eating. (4) Conclusions: The results are discussed from the perspective of promoting health at work as well as improving the psychosocial wellbeing of nursing professionals and increasing the quality of patient care.