Exploring the Effects of Mindfulness and Self-Distancing on Chocolate Intake After a Negative State Affect

Foods high in fat and sugar can often act as emotional regulators during negative emotional states, and regularly engaging in suchbehaviour can contribute towards weight gain. The present study investigated whether using mindful construal diaries (MCD) adaptedwith the element of self-distancing could improve state mindfulness, attenuate negative affect, and reduce chocolate intake. Onehundred twenty participants were randomly assigned to one of three conditions, self-immersed, self-distanced, and control, and afterevoking a negative state affect through a film excerpt, participants were served chocolate. The findings suggested there were nosignificant differences in improving state mindfulness or state negative affect across the three conditions. However, participants in thecontrol condition did consume significantly more chocolate than those in the self-immersed and self-distanced conditions. Whilst therewere no significant differences in chocolate intake between the twoexperimental conditions, those in the self-distanced condition didconsume the least amount of chocolate. The concept of self-distancing may be beneficial in improving emotional eating behavioursfurther in mindful and attentive eating interventions. Limitations and recommendations for future research are discussed