INFLUENCE OF DIET ON EMOTIONAL WELLBEING–A GENDER PERSPECTIVE

Authors

  • Uzma Nigaar Zameer School of Continuing Education, Indira Gandhi National Open University, New Delhi

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.53555/eijmhs.v10i3.238

Keywords:

Diet, Emotions, Emotional Eating, Mindful Eating, Gender Differences, Dietary Self-regulation, Emotional Well-being

Abstract

The influence of diet on emotions explores how dietary choices can impact mood, cognition, and emotional well-being, highlighting the intricate relationship between nutrition and mental health. This study explores how diet and emotions interact, particularly examining gender differences in emotional and mindful eating behaviours among 102 participants in Urban Bengaluru through personal interviews and online surveys. Key findings from the Emotional Eating Questionnaire (EEQ) and Mindful Eating Questionnaire (MEQ) reveal significant trends: 66% of respondents use food to cope with anxiety, while 45% struggle to control sweets, particularly chocolates, and 43% emotionally eat under stress, anger, or boredom; nearly half 49% feel guilt after consuming forbidden foods and 50% overeat while dieting, indicating the challenges in dietary control. Statistical analyses, including Chi-square and ANOVA tests, affirm significant gender-based disparities in eating behaviours and emotional responses. Females demonstrate higher susceptibility to emotional triggers such as anxiety, stress, or boredom, contributing to greater emotional eating tendencies and challenges in mindful eating and males exhibit lower engagement in emotional eating behaviours but may demonstrate less mindfulness during eating; 22% of males versus 18% of females feel controlled by food. Addressing these gender specific patterns through targeted interventions aimed at enhancing emotional regulation and promoting mindful eating practices is crucial for fostering healthier eating behaviours and improving emotional well-being across genders.

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Published

2024-09-03