Subjective well-being and feeding patterns in Chilean adults: A qualitative study

Abstract

This article reviews the relationship between the experience of subjective well-being and the processes of selection, purchase, preparation and consumption of food in adults in the southern part of Chile. Based on qualitative methodology and conceived as an exploratory design this research aims how feeding impacts on the vital satisfaction of people as well as in their dissatisfaction and discontent experiences. A group of 60 men and women between 18-76 years participated in focus group sessions and in-depth interviews; their speech was studied by content analysis. The results redefine feeding practices in terms of socio-affective and socio-cultural influence in the experience of subjective well-being regarding food purchasing behavior and feeding patterns. We conclude that feeding practices are not only associated to sensory pleasures but also to family and social life as well as to health care. Thus, this study establishes an analytical interface in the dialogue regarding the experience of subjective well-being from the positive psychology and those related to feeding behavior from the psychology of consumption.