Investigating the Relationship Between a Plant-Based Diet and Reported Levels of Stress and Anxiety

Murphy, Róisín (2021) Investigating the Relationship Between a Plant-Based Diet and Reported Levels of Stress and Anxiety. Undergraduate thesis, Dublin, National College of Ireland.

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Abstract

The present study investigated the relationship between a plant-based diet on reported levels of stress and anxiety, as well as examining the gender differences amongst these variables. Existing research has indicated that there is a relationship between a plant-based diet and lower levels of stress and anxiety. However, these findings are novel, and consider other variables such as lifestyle change. The aim of the current research study was to expand on the baseline of knowledge, but solely focus on the effects of anxiety and stress alone, in relation to plant-based intake. The sample consisted of 149 adult participants, which completed a DASS-21 questionnaire to measure their levels of anxiety and stress, in relation to their dietary preferences. The current research found a statistically significant effect of individuals who consumed more plant-based foods, reported lower levels of stress and anxiety. These results were found using a one-way between groups ANOVA (non-parametric version Kruskal-Wallis test). Furthermore, the study sought to examine gender as a factor of reported anxiety amidst these variables and found females to report higher levels of anxiety than males. The current findings provide further insight into the novel topic of plant-based foods reducing levels of anxiety and stress (and the positive relationship with mental health), as well as conveying gender differences amongst these variables. Implications for this study and suggestions for future research on plant-based eating in relation to anxiety and stress are discussed.

Item Type:	Thesis (Undergraduate)
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > Psychology B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > Psychology > Emotions B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > Psychology > Stress (Psychology)
Divisions:	School of Business > BA (Honours) in Psychology
Depositing User:	Clara Chan
Date Deposited:	13 Aug 2021 11:24
Last Modified:	16 Sep 2021 15:45
URI:	https://norma.ncirl.ie/id/eprint/4958

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