The Analysis of Variables Predicting Eating Habits of University Students

Abstract

In recent years, obesity has become widespread in many countries, and individuals come face to face with various psychopathological problems because of eating habits. At this point, researches investigating the solution of problems about obesity and eating habits focus on environmental and individual factors that affect eating habits and the reasons affecting the eating habits and obesity. The aim of this study is to determine the variables predicting the eating habits of university students, and investigate the relationship between the demographic variables and eating habits. This study was carried out among 291 university students (141 females, 150 males). Research data has been obtained by Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), Life Satisfaction Scale, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support Scale and Social Emotional Loneliness Scale. Correlation and logistic regression were used to analyze the data. Although there is no significant relationship between Eating Attitudes Test scores and dating relationship within the last year and gender, perceived parental attitudes and body mass index have significant relationship. As a result of the logistic regression analysis, according to the Life Satisfaction Scale (p<.01) being in high or low group based on the Eating Attitude Test scores, there is a significant relationship between the lower dimension of “social support from a friend (p<.05) or a special one (p<.05)” of Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support Scale and the lower dimension of “emotional loneliness in romantic relationships” (p<.05) of Social Emotional Loneliness Scale. The findings show that there is a significant relationship between students’ perceptions of parental attitudes and body mass index. In addition, life satisfaction, social support from a friend or a special one with the emotional loneliness in romantic relationships give some clues for determining the problems of university students’ eating habits. For the corrective and preventive studies on eating problems, programs can be developed conducted to the attitudes of parents. To strengthen the social support of a friend or a special friend and to reduce the emotional loneliness in romantic relationships may be helpful for the treatment of students’ eating disorders.