Coping as a Mediator and Moderator between Psychological Distress and Disordered Eating Behaviors and Weight Changes during the COVID-19 Pandemic

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2023

Authors

Machado, BC (Author) Other; moreira, cs (Author) FCUP; Correia, M (Author) Other; Veiga, E (Author) Other; Gonçalves, S (Author) Other

Journal

Title: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Vol. 20

Final page: 2504

ISSN: 1661-7827

Publisher: MDPI

Indexing

Scopus

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00X-YKQ

DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20032504

Abstract (EN): Previous research has already shown the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on college students¿ well-being and mental health. Eating problems and weight gain due to changes in eating habits and physical activity experienced during this period have also been noticed. However, few studies have explored the role of students¿ resources as used during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as coping strategies. This study aimed to (1) explore the associations among psychological distress, disordered eating, coping strategies, and weight changes; (2) examine the moderating role of coping strategies in the process of weight gain and weight loss; and (3) study the mediating role of coping strategies in the process of weight gain and weight loss. The participants in this study were 772 students at a Portuguese university. The data collected included sociodemographic data and three self-reported questionnaires (Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale; Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire; Brief COPE) during the first few months of the pandemic, which included a 72-day full national lockdown. The results showed that depression, anxiety, stress, and disordered eating were related to increased weight. Guilt, denial, self-distraction, use of substances, and behavior disinvestment were also related to increased weight. Behavioral disinvestment had a strong mediating effect on weight gain. Additionally, planning, positive reframing, and acceptance all showed a moderating effect between psychological distress and weight changes. In conclusion, coping strategies allow for a better understanding of the mechanisms by which psychological distress and disordered eating were related to weight changes during the pandemic. © 2023 by the authors.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific