ABSTRACT
The article presents the results of psychological study of characteristics of food behavior in young people in the conditions of forced self-isolation and COVID-19 coronavirus infection pandemic. The common research methods were applied to establish actual food disorders and intensification of their symptoms during isolation. The food behavior of each individual can be considered as network of interactions between various natural factors (physiological, psychological, economic, sociocultural ones). It is conditioned by stress level due to pandemic. The comparative analysis of study results concerning specifics of food behavior in conditions of self-isolation in young and middle-aged people demonstrated that there is significant relationship between external, emotionogenic food behavior, restrictive food behavior and age of subjects. The correlation analysis established statistical significance of a number of scales. In sample of middle-aged objects, relationships between external and emotionogenic food behavior were established. The emotionogenic condition was associated with dissatisfaction with one's own body, and body image - with restrictive food behavior. The direct statistical significance of dependence of restrictive behavior from age was revealed. In all cases, more intensive manifestation of food disorders was detected in sampling of young people that confirms hypothesis that middle-aged people are inclined to other types of food disorders as compared with young people. The severity of disorders is also less pronounced. The actuality of the analyzed problem is determined by both trends in development of scientific knowledge and existing needs of social practice.