Daily Work Stressors and Unhealthy Snacking: The Moderating Role of Trait Mindfulness

Abstract Unhealthy snacking is considered one of the main contributors to current obesity pandemic. Initial research suggests that work-related stress may be an important predictor unhealthy snacking, however, there still much learn about underlying mechanisms and conditions snacking. To address this gap, we investigated effect two prominent work stressors, workload interpersonal conflict, on behaviors during in evening after work. We propose these effects explained through a homeostatic motive restore energy following depletion hedonic induce pleasure, thus investigating potential mediating emotional exhaustion negative affect. Additionally, since individual differences play role for behaviors, examined moderating trait mindfulness. Results from diary data across workweeks ( N = 118) did not show significant positive linear relationship between daily stressors The protective nature mindfulness became apparent after-work indicating individuals high consume less snacks when emotionally exhausted. Furthermore, supplementary analysis revealed employees especially snack low days. Taken together, our results unfold complex offer valuable input practical implementations.