# How mindfulness influences restrictive eating through the mediation of body image: a diary report study

## TL;DR

This study shows that mindfulness reduces restrictive eating by improving daily body image perceptions.

## Contribution

It identifies body image as a full mediator of the effect of state mindfulness on restrictive eating.

## Key findings

- Trait and state mindfulness are positively linked to body image and inversely linked to restrictive eating.
- Body image fully mediates the effect of state mindfulness on restrictive eating at the intra-individual level.
- Daily mindfulness improvements lead to better body image and reduced maladaptive eating behaviors.

## Abstract

This study investigated whether body image mediates the link between mindfulness (state/trait) and restrictive eating behaviors.

A 6-day daily survey of 65 females with restrictive eating patterns incorporated correlation, regression, and multilevel mediation analyses.

Trait mindfulness, state mindfulness, and body image were positively interrelated, while all three demonstrated inverse relationships with restrictive eating. Both state and trait mindfulness predicted reduced restrictive eating behaviors. Critically, body image fully mediated the effect of state mindfulness on restrictive eating at the intra-individual level, suggesting that daily improvements in mindfulness enhance body image, which subsequently reduces maladaptive eating.

State mindfulness mitigates restrictive eating by fostering positive body image, highlighting body image's role in mindfulness-based interventions. Further research should validate this pathway across diverse populations.