An analysis of intuitive eating scores and contributing factors in female university students with dieting experience

Abstract

Intuitive Eating (IE) is an approach that encourages individuals to eat according to their body’s hunger and fullness cues, aiming to establish a healthy relationship with food without restrictions. This study investigated the association between IE and psychological factors (optimism, life satisfaction, proactive coping, and self-esteem) among Japanese university students. The results showed that, among female students, IE was positively correlated with life satisfaction and optimism. Additionally, students with no history of dieting tended to have higher IES-2 scores, suggesting that prior dieting experience may be associated with lower adherence to intuitive eating principles. These findings suggest that nutrition guidance incorporating IE may be effective as psychological support in future interventions.