Date of Conferral

4-21-2025

Date of Award

April 2025

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Matthew Howren

Abstract

Obesity is a global problem and a risk factor for many life-threatening illnesses and diseases. The Rio Grande Valley (RGV) in South Texas has higher than state and national obesity rates. The cultural influences on food choice in this region are a frequent focus of research, and there have also been numerous studies on the relationship between socioeconomic status and overweight and obesity; however, there are currently no studies that specifically investigate the relationship between educational attainment, acculturation, food choice behavior, and overweight and obesity among Hispanics in the RGV. Grounded in social cognitive and acculturation theories, the purpose of this quantitative cross-sectional study was to investigate the association among educational attainment, acculturation, food choice behavior, and body mass index (BMI) in a sample of RGV residents to investigate relationships between educational attainment and acculturation on food choice behavior and BMI in a sample of the population of the RGV. The sample comprised 82 students, staff, and faculty from a local community college. Results indicated that acculturation and education influenced food choice behavior; specifically, the deleterious effect of acculturation on food choice behavior was attenuated by education. Through research with a sample of students, staff, and faculty that form an integral part of the RGV community, this study provides valuable insight to drive social change by informing interventions that target the challenge of obesity in the region.

Download

Included in

Psychology Commons

Share

 
COinS