Investigating the relationship between the non-judgment facet of mindfulness and disordered eating symptoms among university Students

Abstract

Research consistently shows a negative association between trait mindfulness and disordered eating symptoms. However, state mindfulness and facets of mindfulness are not consistently associated with disordered eating symptoms in the same way. The purpose of this research was to isolate and investigate the relationship between the Non-judgment facet of mindfulness and disordered eating symptoms and constructs that are known to be closely related to disordered eating symptoms. Findings from the current study revealed that Non-judgment had a significant negative relationship with disordered eating symptoms, and difficulties in emotion regulation and a significant positive relationship with self-compassion. Non-judgment was also found to be a significant predictor of disordered eating symptoms and the negative relationship between Non-judgment and disordered eating symptoms was significantly mediated by difficulties in emotion regulation. An experimental Non-judgment mindfulness exercise did not affect state emotion regulation, food selection, or body image satisfaction.