The influence of COVID-19 fear beliefs on the relationships between positive mood and loss-of-control eating: a ten-day diary study

Loss-of-control eating (LOCE) is driven by mood, and prevalence increased following onset of coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19). COVID-19 is associated with many stressors, including fear of illness, which could potentiate a relationship between mood and LOCE. Additionally, daily protective strategies to prevent contagion may be associated with LOCE, in line with ego depletion theory. Adults (N = 108) completed a 10-day diary study regarding LOCE, positive and negative mood, and protective behaviors. Participants rated COVID fear beliefs at a baseline assessment, hypothesized to predict LOCE directly between-subjects and have a cross-level interactive effect within-subjects. Data were analyzed with a multilevel model. Negative mood was associated with LOCE at both levels, although protective behaviors evinced no significant associations. Positive mood lacked significant direct association with LOCE, although there was an interactive effect such that there was an inverse association at low fear beliefs. Directions for future research and clinical implications are discussed.