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Abstract

Emotional distress is a key factor influencing body image perception and eating behaviours, yet its role varies across individuals with and without binge eating behaviour. Understanding the impact of negative affect on body image perception is essential for developing effective psychological interventions. This study explores the role of negative affect in shaping body image perception among individuals with and without binge eating behaviour. A cross-sectional research design was employed, with data collected from 300 participants (150 with binge eating behaviour and 150 without) aged 18–24 from Hazara Division, including Haripur and Abbottabad. Standardized measures, including the Binge Eating Disorder Screener-7 (BEDS-7), the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS), and the Body Image Questionnaire, were used. Results indicated that individuals with binge eating behaviour reported significantly higher levels of negative affect (M =29.57, SD = 6.40) and body dissatisfaction (M = 66.75, SD = 5.74) compared to those without binge eating behaviour (M = 23.80, SD = 3.70; M = 55.53, SD = 6.25), with large effect sizes (Cohen’s d = 1.10 and 1.86, respectively). However, a significant negative correlation between negative affect and body image perception was only observed in individuals without binge eating behaviour (r = -0.388, p < 0.01). Gender differences revealed that females reported significantly higher levels of negative affect (M = 31.68, SD = 7.70) and more negative body image perception (M = 59.75, SD = 6.64) compared to males (M = 25.47, SD = 4.40 and M = 49.21, SD = 4.25, respectively), with large to very large effect sizes (Cohen’s d = 0.99 and 1.89, respectively). Additionally, regression analysis indicated that negative affect (B = 0.40, p < 0.001) and negative body image perception (B = 0.45, p < 0.01) were significant predictors of binge eating behaviour. These findings highlight the complex interplay between emotional distress and body dissatisfaction, suggesting the need for targeted psychological interventions.