Islamic lifestyle with a focus on health

Islamic lifestyle with a focus on health

The Relationship Between Ego Strength and Communication Patterns with Eating Behavior in Obese Women with Diabetes: The Mediating Role of Spiritual Well-Being

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Fahimeh Farsi 1
qamar kiani 2
Seyed Ali Hosseini Almadani 3
1 PhD Student in Psychology, Department of Psychology, North Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
2 Department of Psychology, Za.C, Islamic Azad University, Zanjan, Iran
3 Department of Psychology, North Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran. Iran
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Obesity and diabetes are global health challenges that impact psychological and social aspects in addition to physical health. Identifying psychological and relational factors associated with eating behavior can enhance the management of these conditions. This study aimed to model the relationship between ego strength and communication patterns with eating behavior, examining the mediating role of spiritual well-being in obese women with diabetes.
Methods: This descriptive-correlational study included obese women with diabetes referred to the treatment centers of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences in 2024. A sample of 350 participants was selected through voluntary sampling. The research instruments included the Ego Strength Questionnaire (Markstrom et al, 1997), Communication Patterns Questionnaire (Fitzpatrick & Ritchie, 1990), Eating Behavior Questionnaire (Dutch, 1986), and Spiritual Well-Being Scale (Paloutzian & Ellison, 1982). Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling with AMOS-26 software.
Findings: The results indicated that ego strength and communication patterns had a significant relationship with eating behavior (P < 0.05). Additionally, spiritual well-being acted as a mediator, strengthening this relationship (P < 0.05). The proposed model demonstrated a good fit.
Conclusion: These findings highlight the importance of psychological and spiritual interventions in improving eating behavior. Enhancing ego strength alongside promoting spiritual well-being can be effective in designing counseling and therapeutic programs for obese women with diabetes, contributing to improved mental health and healthier lifestyles. These results provide guidance for health professionals and policymakers in developing supportive programs.
 
Keywords
Ego strength
communication patterns
eating behavior
spiritual well-being
obesity
diabetes
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