The link between occupational balance, emotional eating, and mindful eating: Implications for health and well-being

This study was conducted to examine the relationship between occupational balance and emotional eating and mindful eating behaviors in individuals aged 50–65. The study, conducted using a cross-sectional and prospective design, included 96 participants with an average age of 58±2.81. Participants' occupational balance level was assessed using the Occupational Balance Questionnaire (OBQ), emotional eating behavior using the Emotional Eater Questionnaire (EEQ), and mindful eating behavior using the Mindful Eating Questionnaire (MEQ). A food consumption frequency questionnaire was used to descriptively evaluate individuals' food group consumption frequencies. Pearson correlation analyses revealed a significant negative relationship between OBQ and EEQ (r=–0.297; p= 0.004) and a significant positive relationship between OBQ and MEQ (r=0.336; p=0.001). Furthermore, regression analysis revealed that emotional and mindful eating variables together explained approximately 24% of occupational balance. These findings suggest that routine screening for emotional and mindful eating patterns may help clinicians identify individuals at risk of reduced occupational balance, and integrating mindfulness-based eating strategies or nutrition counseling approaches into occupational health programs may support improved daily functioning.