Planning and self-monitoring the quality and quantity of eating: How different styles of self-regulation strategies relate to healthy and unhealthy eating behaviors, bulimic symptoms, and BMI

Abstract

This research examined if planning and self-monitoring could be distinguished in terms of quality and quantity, and if differences in the uses of these strategies were associated with distinct eating outcomes. In Study 1 (n = 355), the structure of a new scale designed to measure planning and self-monitoring in terms of quality (i.e., nutrient intake) and quantity (i.e., calories and portion sizes) was examined through Confirmatory Factor Analysis. Structural equation models were also tested in which the relationships between the proposed strategies, healthy and unhealthy eating behaviors and bulimic symptoms, as well as BMI, were examined. The purpose of Study 2 (n = 318) was to replicate the results found in Study 1, using a different sample. Overall, a 6-factor structure was found for the scale and results revealed that strategies related to the quality of eating were more strongly and positively associated with healthy eating and more strongly and negatively associated with unhealthy eating behaviors, whereas strategies related to the quantity of eating were more strongly and positively associated with bulimic symptoms and BMI. Results are discussed in terms of implications for health professionals who wish to improve individuals' eating behaviors and/or weight.

Keywords: Eating behaviors; Planning; Quality and quantity; Self-monitoring.