A behavioral phenomenon in which a person eats food in response to emotional distress, such as stress, anxiety, sadness, or boredom, rather than because of a physiological feeling of hunger. This type of binge eating often serves as a mechanism for self-regulation of mood and temporary relief of negative emotions, but can lead to eating disorders and overweight. Emotional overeating is considered as an important aspect in the psychology of eating behavior and requires an integrated approach to therapy.