BINGE EATING AS A FORM OF EMOTIONAL REGULATION IN ADULTS: A PSYCHOLOGICAL UNDERSTANDING OF EMOTIONAL RECOGNITION PROCESSES

Abstract

This study aims to conduct an in-depth investigation into compulsive eating among adults who use food as a coping strategy for negative emotions such as anxiety, sadness, and frustration. It seeks to understand the psychological meanings attributed to the act of eating, as well as the feelings of emptiness and helplessness reported when this resource is unavailable. Furthermore, the study intends to analyze the guilt that often follows binge-eating episodes and how this cycle intensifies psychological distress and emotional dysregulation. The work also proposes to discuss how psychology can contribute to the care of these individuals, considering intervention possibilities that aid in processing emotions, developing healthier forms of emotional regulation, and alleviating the frustration associated with their relationship with food.