MEDIATING ROLE OF NEUROTICISM IN BETWEEN EATING PATTERNS AND COPING STYLES IN OBESE POPULATION

Abstract

The purpose of this quantitative study was to determine the linkage between eating patterns and coping styles with mediating role of neuroticism in obese Population (both male and female). Correlation research design was used to collect data through purposive and snowball sampling. Demographic questionnaire of three factor eating questionnaire tfeq-18, brief cope to problem experienced inventory (Brief-COPE) and neuroticism subscale of big five personality inventory were used. The correlation analysis shows the weak significant positive correlation of neuroticism with uncontrolled eating, cognitive restraint and emotion focused coping. Findings also indicate the weak significant positive correlation of uncontrolled eating with emotion focused coping and avoidant coping styles. There is also a weak significant positive correlation. Moreover, neuroticism partially mediates the relationship between eating patterns and coping styles as indicated by indirect effect of mediation analysis. Study findings has important implications in clinics through targeted interventions, personalized treatment plans, prevention strategies and improved understanding of underlying psychological factors individuals can gain better understandings of other psychological and clinical factors that contribute to unhealthy eating patterns and maladaptive coping styles. Research has important implications in both psychology and literature this can inform the development of psychological assessments that builds individuals under time for neuroticism with assessing risk related to eating patterns and coping styles. Despite the limitations thesis contribute in inspiring future research in literature by considering importance of Personality trait in understanding mental health and human behavior.