Abstract

This study aimed to investigate whether reward-related eating drive mediates the relationship between reward sensitivity and food addiction, and whether this mediation differs based on self-regulation levels. To achieve this, a self-report survey was conducted with 496 university students, and the data were analyzed using the PROCESS macro. The results indicated that reward sensitivity does not directly affect food addiction; however, a full mediation effect through reward-related eating drive was confirmed. Furthermore, self-regulation significantly moderated this ediation pathway. Analysis of conditional indirect effects revealed that the indirect effect was stronger at high levels of self-regulation, while it was non-significant at low levels. These findings suggest that self-regulation does not always have a protective role, but can serve dual functions depending on the context. Consequently, intervention strategies for food addiction should take into account individual temperament and personality traits.