Date of Conferral

2022

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Jay Greiner

Abstract

Stress results in many people altering their eating patterns, often consuming food high in sugar and fat. Such behavior is a factor in the growing obesity epidemic and can potentially cause the development of chronic diseases, resulting in employment problems and billions of extra dollars spent on national health care programs. Researchers have focused on the concept of “emotional eating” while overlooking the overarching research question of this study, which was about exploring the experience of individuals using eating behavior as a coping mechanism to deal with stress. All responses were viewed through the lens of social cognitive theory. Interviews were conducted with eight participants recruited through Research and Me. Qualitative interview questions focused on cognitive aspects such as exploring learned patterns of eating behavior, beliefs regarding the use of food to cope with stress and understanding why they would choose eating behavior over other coping strategies. Themes emerged about the connections between food and family, how food as a coping skill is reinforced and encouraged due to it being a social and effective strategy, how it is often seen as an incentive or reward, and how it is most often a purposeful decision. Participants identified “healthier” coping strategies; however, they emphasized the effectiveness and ease of using food or eating behavior. These results differ from those highlighting food consumption as an impulsive action. Health care professionals and individuals who understand these results could create positive social change by learning and practicing alternative coping strategies in non-stressful times. This could reduce the consumption of excess calories due to stress, potentially limiting weight gain and the development of health conditions.

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