Eating attitudes, beliefs, motivations and behaviour have been associated with eating disorders including anorexia, bulimia, food restriction and obesity (Papadopoulos, Ekbom, Brandt, & Ekselius, 2009) and with psychological wellbeing, serious health conditions including cancer and cardiac issues, and mortality (Crow et al., 2009; Franko et al., 2013; Papadopoulos et al., 2009). Diabetes type 2 (referred to as 'diabetes' throughout) is a prevalent, multi-faceted, long-term health condition often engendered by factors related to nutrition (Sami, Ansari, Butt, & Hamid, 2017). It has also been associated with significant physical and functional impairment and reduced psychological well-being, including depression, anxiety and eating disorders (e.g., Department of Health [DOH], 2011; Fellow-Smith et al., 2012; Lloyd, 2012). Whilst there is a plethora of research documenting the relationship between eating pathology and maladaptive psychological outcomes, there has also been a recent surge of research examining the role of positive factors associated with eating behaviour, in particular the role of self-compassion. However, for people living with diabetes, there is clear evidence for the association between eating behaviour, diabetes and poor psychological wellbeing, but the majority of research has investigated the role of maladaptive psychological processes which maintain and perpetuate psychological distress. Few studies have examined the contribution of adaptive or positive psychological processes which lead to the enhancement of psychological well-being within this clinical population. Therefore, the aims of this thesis are twofold. In chapter one the aim is to explore the relationship of self-compassion with eating behaviour by examining and reviewing available literature. In chapter 2, the aim is to examine the effect of eating behaviour on diabetes related outcomes, including body-mass index, average blood sugar levels, anxiety, depression and overall wellbeing. Furthermore, to examine whether self-compassion and hope mediate this relationship, either reducing or eliminating the effects. The appendices section contains additional information relevant to the two chapters. Chapter One reports a systematic review of the literature with regard to the relationship between self-compassion and eating behaviours and examines the nature of this relationship to understand the role of self-compassion. In the introduction, the definition and mechanisms that contribute to eating behaviour are discussed. Then, eating related difficulties such as obesity, eating disorders and associated health outcomes are addressed. Current psychological interventions are then introduced and discussed in light of their limitations, followed by an explanation of a recent paradigm shift toward more positive indicators of wellbeing. The role of positive psychological constructs is introduced, with a particular focus on the underpinnings and application of self-compassion. Following methodological information, a review of available empirical research in relation to eating behaviour and self-compassion is provided, in an attempt to identify the current state of the evidence base within this field. Clinical implications and suggestions for future research are discussed. Chapter 2 contains the empirical paper, which considers the role of positive factors, including self-compassion and hope in relation to eating behaviour and diabetes outcomes. Information about diabetes, obesity and eating behaviour, specifically addiction to food and emotional eating is introduced. Positive factors including self-compassion and hope are then introduced and discussed and study rationale is provided. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) identifies a statistical model of the constructs, based upon the eating behaviour, diabetes and positive psychological literature. Specifically, the relationship between eating behaviour and diabetes outcomes is examined, and the role of positive factors in relation to these variables is explored. It is hypothesised that self-compassion and hope will mediate the relationships between eating behaviour (addiction to food and emotional eating) and psychological wellbeing in patients living with diabetes. One hundred and ninety-four participants took part, having fully completed the online study. The SEM model fitted the data well, following minimal modification. The empirical study extends current understanding of the impact of positive psychological processes associated with psychological well-being, in the presence of chronic illness, highlighting the relevance of measuring positive psychological factors in relation to well-being within this cohort.