Abstract
Objective: This research investigates the association between perceived stress and binge eating among married and unmarried females in Pakistan. The study aims to explore whether marital status influences the relationship between stress and maladaptive eating behaviors, and to determine comparative differences in stress and binge eating tendencies between these two groups.
Methods: A cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted among 138 Pakistani females aged 18–40 years, comprising 68 married and 70 unmarried participants. Data were collected through an online structured questionnaire consisting of demographic information, the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), and the Binge Eating Scale (BES-16). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v17.0. Frequencies, independent t-tests, and chi-square tests were applied to assess differences and associations between groups.
Results: Unmarried women reported significantly higher levels of perceived stress and binge eating compared to married counterparts (p = 0.002). Among unmarried females, a strong positive association was observed between perceived stress and binge eating, suggesting that increased stress correlates with greater frequency and severity of binge eating episodes. In contrast, no statistically significant relationship was found between stress and binge eating among married participants (p = 0.065).
Conclusion: The findings indicate that perceived stress is a key predictor of binge eating, particularly among unmarried women in Pakistan. Socio-cultural pressures, emotional coping mechanisms, and lifestyle differences may amplify this relationship. Targeted interventions focusing on stress management and nutritional awareness could mitigate maladaptive eating patterns among women.