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Volume 24, Issue 153 (11-2025)                   Journal of Psychological Science 2025, 24(153): 305-0 | Back to browse issues page

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Bahrami N, Kalantar Ghoreishi M, Tafazoli Aghvami S. (2025). Predicting Eating Behavior Based on Perceived Social Support and Self-Esteem: The Mediating Role of Self-Efficacy. Journal of Psychological Science. 24(153), 305-0.
URL: http://psychologicalscience.ir/article-1-2882-en.html
Department of Clinical psychology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran. , Moniresfahan@yahoo.com
Abstract:   (13 Views)
Background: Eating behavior is a fundamental behavior for human survival, but it is not solely determined by biological stimuli such as satiety and hunger. Psychological and social factors play a significant role in shaping and regulating eating behavior. However, limited research has explored the role of psychological variables in relation to eating behavior in adolescents. This study aimed to address this research gap by investigating these relationships.
Aims: The present study aimed to predict eating behavior based on perceived social support and self-esteem with the mediating role of self-efficacy.
Methods: Based on its objective, the present study is an applied research and methodologically a descriptive-correlational study. The statistical population included adolescents aged 15 to 18 in Tehran city, from which 250 adolescents were selected using multi-stage cluster sampling. Data were collected using the Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire (van Strien, 1986), the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (Zimet et al., 1988), the Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory (Coopersmith, 1986), and the Self-Efficacy Scale (Scherer, 1982). Data were analyzed using statistical methods including Pearson correlation coefficient, multiple regression using SPSS v22 software, and structural equation modeling using LISREL v8.5.
Results: The results indicated that perceived social support, mediated by self-efficacy, had a significant effect on eating behavior. The indirect effect was 0.15, and the total effect was 0.68. Furthermore, self-esteem, mediated by self-efficacy, also had a significant effect on eating behavior. The indirect effect was 0.21, and the total effect was 0.61.
Conclusion: The findings of the present study suggest that perceived social support and self-esteem, through the mediating role of self-efficacy, significantly contribute to improved eating behavior. Therefore, it is recommended that educational programs and interventions related to healthy nutrition in adolescents focus on strengthening self-efficacy by enhancing social support (such as family and peer support) and promoting self-esteem. This approach can contribute to the improvement of healthy eating behaviors in adolescents and the prevention of nutrition-related problems.
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Type of Study: Research | Subject: Special
Received: 2025/03/18 | Accepted: 2025/09/23 | Published: 2025/11/22

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