Identifying Effective Motivational Strategies for Reducing Emotional Overeating Among Young Women

Abstract

This study aimed to identify effective motivational strategies for reducing emotional overeating among young Iranian women. A qualitative research design using thematic analysis was employed. Fourteen young women from Tehran with self-reported experiences of emotional overeating participated in the study. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews until theoretical saturation was reached. All interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using NVivo version 12 software. Data analysis resulted in three main themes: “Emotional and Cognitive Self-Regulation,” “Behavioral and Environmental Strategies,” and “Interpersonal and Internal Motivational Resources.” Subthemes included emotion acceptance, motivational self-talk, replacement of emotional eating with alternative activities, food environment control, meaningful social support, and realistic goal-setting. Participants reported using these strategies to strengthen intrinsic motivation and cope with emotional triggers for overeating. The findings suggest that emotional overeating is a multifaceted phenomenon influenced by a range of motivational factors. Accordingly, clinical and educational interventions should focus on enhancing emotion regulation skills, providing meaning to healthy lifestyle choices, and offering targeted social support to sustain behavioral change.