The Role of Stress in the Association between Food Insecurity and Disordered Eating

Previous literature has explored the relationship between food insecurity and disordered eating behaviors. The possible function of stress on this relationship remains underexplored. The current paper explored the relationship between food insecurity and disordered eating, in addition to employing a three-factor model to analyze the role of stress on the association between food insecurity and disordered eating. To do so, regression and mediation analyses were conducted on a group of mothers, some of whom reported experience of severe food insecurity. Results showed evidence for significant linear and categorical associations between food insecurity and disordered eating, as well as evidence for a full mediation relationship of stress on food insecurity and disordered eating. The current results are in align with prior literature demonstrating a significant relationship between food insecurity and disordered eating. The current results also provide evidence for a significant role of stress on the relationship. It is possible that stress uniquely influences disordered eating behaviors presented by food insecure individuals, suggesting novel associations to investigate.