Date of Conferral
2022
Degree
Ph.D.
School
Psychology
Advisor
La Toya Johnson
Abstract
Obesity is a substantial problem that occurs worldwide and is highly associated with increased risks of chronic diseases such as Type II diabetes mellitus, cardiac-related diseases, hypertension, and some cancers. Middle Eastern cultures have one of the highest rates of overweight and obesity, estimated to be the second highest worldwide. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship among stress, depression, emotional eating, and weight gain in Middle Eastern women, specifically Arabs, who have moved to the United States, using a quantitative approach. The theoretical foundation was psychosomatic theory, which explains the connection between psychological problems and emotional eating. This theory suggests that mental conditions increase the chances of overeating among people who find food rewarding. An online survey was used to collect data from a convenience sample of approximately 150 participants using demographics, Cohen’s Perceived Stress questionnaire, the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, the Vancouver Index of Acculturation questionnaire, and the 25-item Emotional Eating Scale. Arabic Middle Eastern women were focused on in this study to understand whether mental changes such as stress, depression, and acculturation may increase overeating because of moving to the United States. The findings, although they did not reach significance, may promote positive social change by showing the need for more medical practitioners who understand how better to treat Arabic Middle Eastern women who suffer from obesity as well as help these women to identify factors that may contribute to their overeating and subsequent weight gain.
Recommended Citation
Roohi-Booroujeni, Sherri Alizz, "Acculturation and Emotional Eating Among Arabic Middle Eastern Women in the United States" (2022). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 12839.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/12839
