The Psychological Distress of Food Insecurity: A Qualitative Study of the Experiences of Low-Income Parents and Their Coping Strategies

Abstract

Abstract Objectives Food insecurity increases the risks of numerous chronic disease and mental health outcomes in low-income adults; however, the mechanisms underlying these associations have not been clearly identified. Chronic, psychological stress may represent an important pathway between food insecurity and health. Using in-depth interviews, the objective of this qualitative study was to obtain a better understanding of psychological distress specific to food insecurity among adults. Methods We conducted one-on-one, semi-structured interviews with 48 parents recruited from the San Francisco Bay Area. Eligibility criteria included any experience of household food insecurity over the past 12 months, having a child in the family, and the ability to speak English fluently. An interview guide was developed by an interdisciplinary research team to specifically delve into the psychological experience of adult food insecurity. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed for thematic content using the constant comparative method. Results Parents discussed six themes related to the psychological distress of food insecurity: 1) anxiety about not having enough food to meet the needs of all family members, 2) frustration over the high costs of healthful foods (e.g., fruits and vegetables), 3) embarrassment about using community food assistance, 4) fear of running out of money for food and other necessities, 5) sadness about their cyclical and chronic food situation, and 6) guilt over the inability to adequately provide for their children. Strategies that parents used to cope with food insecurity included seeking help from family and friends, relying on their faith, distracting themselves from their current situation (e.g., sleeping, cleaning, drinking), and becoming increasingly tolerant of their food situation. Conclusions Food insecurity is a source of psychological distress among parents. Psychological distress may represent a pathway by which food insecurity influences physical and mental health outcomes. Funding Sources This study was supported by a grant from the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Center for Child Health and Human Development.