Palatable food eating motives, depression, anxiety and stress, body appreciation and self-efficacy

O'Connor, Simon (2019) Palatable food eating motives, depression, anxiety and stress, body appreciation and self-efficacy. Undergraduate thesis, Dublin, National College of Ireland.

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Abstract

The numbers of overweight and obese people are at record levels globally. The proliferation of ultra-processed, palatable food that is high in fat, sugar and salt, continues to increase. The purpose of this study was to investigate palatable food eating motives, in relation to three negative emotional states; depression, anxiety and stress. In addition, to investigate body appreciation, a facet of Positive body image and self-efficacy in relation to palatable eating motives. Participants (N=303) were recruited by an anonymous, online survey. Answers to height and weight along with four questionnaires, Palatable Eating Motives Scales (PEMS), Depression, Anxiety and Stress scale (DASS-21), Body Appreciation Scale (BAS-2) and General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES) were collected. Correlational investigation, a multiple regression and independent t-tests showed varying effects of the three emotional states, body appreciation and self-efficacy on palatable food motives, reflecting the complexity of the study. Coping was a consistent theme throughout the research. Coping as a motive to eat palatable food increased as depression, anxiety and stress increased and decreased as a motive when body appreciation and self-efficacy increased. This research points to future health interventions emphasising positive coping strategies.

Item Type:	Thesis (Undergraduate)
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > Psychology B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > Psychology > Stress (Psychology)
Divisions:	School of Business > BA (Honours) in Psychology
Depositing User:	Caoimhe Ní Mhaicín
Date Deposited:	04 Jun 2019 13:32
Last Modified:	04 Jun 2019 13:32
URI:	https://norma.ncirl.ie/id/eprint/3809

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