Date Approved

2018

Degree Type

Open Access Thesis

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department or School

Psychology

Committee Member

Tamara Loverich, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Karen Saules, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Alexandros Maragakis, Ph.D.

Abstract

Little research has explored the basic relationships between different components of mindfulness and eating behaviors associated with obesity even though mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have been widely utilized to treat eating behaviors. This study explored these relationships in order to inform more effective MBIs for obesity. Participants (N = 533) from a mixed community and undergraduate sample completed an online battery of assessments. All components of mindfulness were related to eating behaviors as would be expected, with the exception of trait mindful awareness. A series of multiple hierarchical regressions showed that mindful eating was a unique predictor of eating behaviors accounting for an additional 13.9 to 29.4% of the variance observed. These findings suggest mindful eating may be a better treatment target for MBIs for eating-related outcomes compared to general mindfulness inductions. Inconsistencies in mindfulness measurement were found, highlighting the need for further investigation of the relationships among mindfulness components.

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