Emotional eating in adolescent students: A concept analysis

Abstract

Background & Aim: Emotional eating is discussed in nursing, including psychiatric and public health nursing, particularly for its behavioral and psychosocial implications at the population level. However, its interpretation and usage can differ significantly across these areas. To enhance the validity of measurements and inform effective interventions in nursing and public health, it is crucial to achieve a clearer understanding of emotional eating. This study aimed to define and clarify the attributes of emotional eating among adolescent students. Methods & Materials: This study employed Walker and Avant’s eight-step method for concept analysis. A comprehensive literature review was conducted using Thai and international databases, including ThaiLIS, ThaiJo, CINAHL, PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus. The search was guided by keywords such as emotional eating, binge eating, and overeating. Based on predefined criteria, 45 studies published between 2014 and 2023 were selected for analysis. Results: Emotional eating is defined as the excessive intake of food in response to emotional states, both positive and negative, instead of being driven by physical hunger or social circumstances. The attributes of emotional eating in adolescent students encompass emotional responses, excessive eating, unhealthy food selection, and coping with stress and responding mood management. Antecedents included social-emotional problems, perceived stress, perceived self-efficacy, and eating styles and patterns. Consequences involve changes in physical health and well-being, along with unhealthy eating behaviors and compulsive eating. Conclusion: The insights gained from this study enhance conceptual understanding for nursing assessments and tailored interventions designed to promote healthier eating practices among adolescent students.