DOI

https://doi.org/10.25772/NTRT-1624

Author ORCID Identifier

0000-0002-1792-4168

Defense Date

2020

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Suzanne Mazzeo, PhD

Second Advisor

Melanie Bean, PhD

Third Advisor

Natalie Dautovich, PhD

Abstract

Data suggest that individuals’ purported dietary patterns influence others’ perceptions of them. However, few studies have investigated how adherence to specific popular diets might influence these perceptions. This study investigated female undergraduates’ (n = 463) perceptions of vignette characters described as adhering to specific dietary practices perceptions of a vignette character in a sample of 463 female undergraduates. Characters described as adhering to a Clean Eating diet were viewed most positively, followed by individuals on the Ketogenic diet or nondieters. Characters following an Intermittent Fasting diet, and those with Orthorexia Nervosa were viewed most negatively. These findings support the idea that individuals’ adherence to specific popular diets might influence others’ views of them. Correlates of Orthorexia Nervosa (ON) were also investigated; diet-related impairment and weight bias internalization were positively correlated with ON symptomatology. Attitudes towards the vignette character with ON were not significantly correlated with ON symptomatology. Future research should investigate potential links between impression management and dieting motivation and adherence.

Rights

© The Author

Is Part Of

VCU University Archives

Is Part Of

VCU Theses and Dissertations

Date of Submission

7-26-2021

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