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The role of positive psychological constructs in diet and eating behavior among people with metabolic syndrome: A qualitative study
Positive Psychological (PP) constructs, such as optimism and gratitude, may influence adherence to healthy behaviors, including diet. Nevertheless, prior research on this subject has produced contradictory findings. This qualitative study by Carrillo et al. (2022) aimed to explore the relationship between PP constructs and dietary behaviors among adults with metabolic syndrome. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data from the study’s 21 persons with metabolic syndrome. The interview data was subjected to directed content analysis in order to find recurrent themes on how PP constructs affect eating habits. Five main themes emerged from the analysis: 1. Eating healthfully leads to PP constructs – participants reported that adopting a healthy diet improved their positive psychological state. 2. PP constructs lead to eating healthfully – a positive psychological mindset was found to encourage healthier eating habits. 3. Eating healthfully prevents negative emotions – healthy eating was seen as a strategy to manage and reduce negative emotions. 4. Healthy behaviors associated with diet – participants identified a range of behaviors that supported healthy eating, such as planning meals and making mindful food choices. 5. An upward healthy spiral – positive psychological constructs and healthy eating behaviors mutually reinforce each other, creating a beneficial cycle. The study discovered a high correlation between healthy eating practices and PP components. Interventions that promote PP constructs could be effective in improving diet, particularly in populations at risk for metabolic syndrome, by focusing on enhancing well-being and fostering positive psychological states. [NPID: positive emotions, positive psychology, diet, obesity, qualitative research]
Year: 2022
