Date of Award
Spring 5-2021
Document Type
Thesis
College
College of Arts and Sciences
Degree Program
Human Nutrition
Degree Name
Master of Science
Thesis Advisor
Jessie Hoffman
Committee Member
Ashley Licata
Committee Member
Hope Lima
Keywords
Mindfulness, Mindful eating, Perceived stress, Maladaptive eating, Gastrointestinal disorder
Committee Member
Karin Evans
Abstract
Background: Evidence suggests that in college student populations, stress levels often manifest as maladaptive eating and/or functional gastrointestinal disorders. These conditions can degrade wellbeing and academic performance if not addressed.
Research aim/question(s): The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between students’ perceived stress, their overall mindfulness, and mindful eating patterns. Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and bowel habits were also investigated to determine whether these factors were stress-related or influenced mindfulness behaviors.
Materials and Methods: An online survey was conducted during the 2020-2021 academic year. Demographic information, including smoking, alcohol, and drug use patterns, was gathered in addition to participants completing the validated Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) and a non-validated Mindful Eating Self-Assessment (MESA). Descriptive statistics and Pearson correlations were obtained using SPSS.
Results: Statistically significant negative correlations were observed between scores on the PSS and MAAS (r = -0.471, p < 0.01), as well as between the PSS and MESA (r = -0.314, p < 0.01). A significant negative correlation was found between smoking and perceived stress (r = -0.191, p = 0.047). However, no other significant relationships were observed between substance use and stress, mindfulness, or mindful eating. Stress and pain frequency were positively correlated (p = 0.001), but no other significant correlations were found between stress, mindfulness, or mindful eating and GI parameters.
Conclusion: Overall, the observation of an inverse relationship between stress and both mindfulness and mindful eating in college students highlights a need for future studies and mindful eating interventions in this population.
Recommended Citation
Garrett, Emily G., "Mindful Eating and Perceived Stress in College Students" (2021). Graduate Theses. 129.
https://digitalcommons.winthrop.edu/graduatetheses/129
