Date of Conferral

2024

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Benita Stiles-Smith

Abstract

Obesity is an ill-health condition that can lead to other ill-health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, asthma, type 2 diabetes, and some types of cancer. Obesity is also a condition that does not discriminate regarding age, gender, or race/ethnicity. In light of obesity’s status as a global epidemic, efforts for prevention and intervention treatments are needed to improve individuals’ health and quality of life. The purpose of this quantitative study was to examine emotional eating, nutritional knowledge, and socioeconomic status, as predictors of body mass index (BMI). These factors were examined through the lens of general strain theory. A survey design was used to collect data from 76 participants. Emotional eating scores were obtained from the Emotional Appetite Questionnaire, and nutritional knowledge scores were obtained from the General Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire-Revised. Simple regression and multiple regression analyses showed no significant relationship between predictor variables and BMI. The positive social change implications of the study results will be clearer with further research examining these variables in greater detail. As each variable may impact differently upon different demographics of the population, more detailed research would help better identify the best ways to address these variables whether independently or collectively.

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