Journal of Applied Psychological Research

Evaluation of the Weight Self-Efficacy Model Based on Body Image Concern and Psychological Distress with the Mediation of the Core Belief of Eating in Overweight Women

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities, Rasht Branch, Islamic Azad University, Rasht, Iran.

2 Professor, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran.

Abstract

The present study was conducted with the aim of structural modeling of weight self-efficacy based on body image concern and psychological distress with the mediation of the core belief of eating in obese women. Descriptive and correlational research methodologies were implemented. The statistical population included all women aged 20-40 with a BMI of 25 or higher who were referred to nutrition treatment centers in Qazvin city in 2022 and participated in treatment groups. The research sample consisted of 429 overweight and obese women who were selected using the available sampling method. The Eating Core Beliefs Questionnaire (ECBQ), Body Image Concern Questionnaire (BICQ), Psychological Distress Questionnaire (DASS), and Weight Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (WSEQ) were employed to gather data. The data were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient tests and structural equation techniques in the SPSS and AMOS24 software. The results indicated that the initial hypothetical model was well-suited to the observed data. The results of this model indicate that the direct impact of psychological distress, concern about body image, and the fundamental belief of eating with weight self-efficacy were significant. Additionally, the indirect effects of psychological distress and concern regarding body image on the mediation of consuming core beliefs were significant (P<0.05). Therefore, the proposed model demonstrated a high level of fitness. According to the results of the research regarding the significance of the mediating role of the core beliefs of eating and the effect on body image concern and psychological distress, it is suggested that effective cognitive strategies and mechanisms of thought control and emotion management be used in obesity and psychological treatment centers. And women with a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or higher should be instructed on lifestyle modification.

Keywords

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Journal of Applied Psychological Research

Articles in Press, Corrected Proof
Available Online from 02 October 2025
  • Receive Date: 19 February 2023
  • Revise Date: 15 May 2023
  • Accept Date: 11 June 2023
  • First Publish Date: 11 May 2024
  • Publish Date: 02 October 2025