A Thematic Analysis of Web Resources for Identifying Dietary and Social Behaviors that Increase the Levels of Depression, Anxiety, and Depression (DAS) in Adults and Adolescents in the U.S.

Abstract

Based on the current literature from nutrition culture and anthropological studies, there is a potential relationship between behavioral change intervention programs and improvement of quality of life. The purpose of this qualitative research project was to systematically obtain the preliminary data, required for developing an intervention that aims to reduce depression, anxiety, and stress (DAS) levels in people, and improve their quality of life. A thematic analysis of internet articles (news, academic, non-profit, commercial, and weblogs) were used to determine common themes in these resources with NVivo, a qualitative data analysis software. This research project was the first step towards systematically, designing a multi-disciplinary, nutrition/ behavioral change intervention, for the prevention of social, physical, and mental illnesses.