Structural Model of Food Addiction based on sensitivity to punishment and reward: the Mediating Role of Food craving and Emotional Processing

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Ph.D. Student, Department of Health Psychology, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.

2 Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran.

3 Professor, Department of Psychology, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.

4 Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, Astara Branch, Islamic Azad University, Guilan, Iran.

10.48308/apsy.2025.237687.1728

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the present study was to test the mediating role of food craving and emotional processing in the relationship between sensitivity to reward and punishment and food addiction.
 
Method: This study was descriptive and correlational in design. The statistical population included obese individuals who were referred to nutrition clinics in Tehran in the spring and summer of 2023. A total of 357 participants were selected through the convenience sampling method. Body Mass Index, the Yale Food Addiction Scale (Gerhard, 2009), Sensitivity to Punishment and Reward Questionnaire (Conner, 2018), Food Craving Questionnaire-Trait (Sepda Benito, 2000), and Emotional Processing Scale (Baker, 2007) were used to collect data. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling through AMOS 24 software.
 
Results: The model had a good fit with the observed data. The coefficient of the direct path between sensitivity to punishment and food addiction was negative and significant. The indirect effect of sensitivity to punishment on food addiction was negatively mediated by food craving and positively and significantly mediated by emotional processing. The indirect effect of sensitivity to reward on food addiction was positively mediated by food craving and negatively and significantly mediated by emotional processing.
 
Conclusion: It seems that emotional processing problems, food craving, and sensitivity to punishment and reward play a significant role in the etiology and continuation of pathological eating, and focusing on the interaction of these factors can be beneficial in the prevention and treatment of eating problems in overweight and obese individuals.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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