CHFA | Psychology Department Showcase: Projects In-Progress
Eating Habits among College Students
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Junior
Major
Psychology
Minor
Marketing
2nd Student Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
2nd Student Major
Psychology
2nd Student Minor
Philosophy
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Dr. Esther Malm
Presentation Format
Oral Presentation
Abstract/Description
Eating Habits among College Students:
How Eating Habits Contribute to Mental Health
Food affects our mental and overall health. The purpose of this study is to examine a variety of eating habits among college students, specifically how different eating habits affect college students' mental wellbeing. While some studies have been done, there is a whole new field of psychiatry that has shown interesting results and connections of the gut-brain axis that we never knew existed. Some studies have shown marked improvement in subjects with major depressive, Bipolar, and schizoaffective disorders after changes in diet. While many studies agree that good eating habits have a positive effect on mental health, there is contradictory evidence as to which habits have the most positive mental health effects. Studies like this are opening our minds to the possibilities of change in the mental health field. We have three hypotheses that state the following: (1) Individuals with higher levels of binge eating will have higher levels of stress. (2) A grain-only breakfast will result in lower mood and energy than a breakfast that includes meat and/or egg-based proteins. (3) College students who binge ate and skipped meals will have higher levels of stress than those who did not. Data collection via survey is ongoing (75 participants) from college students. Findings may help college students achieve healthier diet patterns which can aid in better mental health and results will be presented during scholars week.
Spring Scholars Week 2025
Psychology: Projects In-Progress
Eating Habits among College Students
Eating Habits among College Students:
How Eating Habits Contribute to Mental Health
Food affects our mental and overall health. The purpose of this study is to examine a variety of eating habits among college students, specifically how different eating habits affect college students' mental wellbeing. While some studies have been done, there is a whole new field of psychiatry that has shown interesting results and connections of the gut-brain axis that we never knew existed. Some studies have shown marked improvement in subjects with major depressive, Bipolar, and schizoaffective disorders after changes in diet. While many studies agree that good eating habits have a positive effect on mental health, there is contradictory evidence as to which habits have the most positive mental health effects. Studies like this are opening our minds to the possibilities of change in the mental health field. We have three hypotheses that state the following: (1) Individuals with higher levels of binge eating will have higher levels of stress. (2) A grain-only breakfast will result in lower mood and energy than a breakfast that includes meat and/or egg-based proteins. (3) College students who binge ate and skipped meals will have higher levels of stress than those who did not. Data collection via survey is ongoing (75 participants) from college students. Findings may help college students achieve healthier diet patterns which can aid in better mental health and results will be presented during scholars week.