Work

The Impact of Fear of Missing out (FoMO) on Addictive Eating: A Moderated Mediation Model

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Fear of missing out (FoMO) describes the concern of missing out on a rewarding experience, a contemporary psychological phenomenon that has yet to be explored in relation to addictive eating. This exploratory study examined the relationship between FoMO and addictive eating, and the effect of reward-related eating and mental health status (anxiety, depression, and stress) on the relationship. METHODS: A sample of 227 adults (mean age 49.4 years; 79.3% women) completed an online survey to assess addictive eating (Yale Food Addiction Scale), FoMO (Fear of Missing Out Scale), reward-related eating (Reward-Based Eating Drive Scale), anxiety, depression, and perceived stress (GAD-7, PHQ-8, PSS-4). Mediation and moderated mediation analyses were performed to determine relationships between variables. RESULTS: A direct relationship between FoMO and addictive eating was found. The relationship was partially mediated by reward-related eating after accounting for BMI and gender. Anxiety severity was a significant moderator of the relationship between reward-related eating levels and addictive eating symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides insights that can assist in informing interventions to mitigate the negative effects of FoMO on eating behaviours, particularly among populations vulnerable to anxiety.

Source: Nutrients

DOI: 10.3390/nu18101493

Authors: Janelle A. Skinner, Rebecca A. Collins, Kerith Duncanson, Phillipa J. Hay, Tracy L. Burrows

Institutions: Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle Australia, Camden and Campbelltown Hospitals, South Western Sydney Local Health District, Western Sydney University

Language: English

Topic: Eating Disorders and Behaviors

Subfield: Clinical Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,499