Emotional eating experiences of individuals with severe mental disorders: A qualitative study

Purpose The aim of this study is to understand the emotional eating experiences of individuals with severe mental disorders. Design and Methods The study used a descriptive qualitative design. Data were collected from 19 individuals who displayed emotional eating behavior and a severe mental disorder. Findings The main themes of this study are “Triggers,” “Emotional Eating Process,” and “Feelings after Emotional Eating.” Participants stated that negative emotions and certain initiating factors were the triggers of their emotional eating; they also experienced feelings of regret and guilt after emotional eating. Practice Implications It was concluded that programs for regulating the eating behaviors of individuals with severe mental disorders should be organized and that psychosocial interventions to prevent emotional eating among these individuals should be integrated into the programs' contents.