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August KJ, Novak JR, Markey CH, Mason MB, Peak T, Gast J. A dyadic analysis of anti-fat attitudes and partners' diet-related influence among gay married men. Psychol Health 2024:1-20. [PMID: 38419401 DOI: 10.1080/08870446.2024.2322069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The focus on physical appearance among gay men has potential implications for anti-fat attitudes, including those directed toward romantic partners. Partners often influence each other's behaviors including those linked to weight, but most research has examined the consequences of these influence strategies versus their antecedents. To address this research gap, we examined how men's own and their partners' anti-fat attitudes were related to both health-promoting (control) and health-compromising (undermining) types of diet-related influence and whether these associations differed by weight status. METHODS AND RESULTS Analyzing data from a cross-sectional online survey of 450 U.S. adult gay married men (225 couples), Actor-Partner Interdependence Models revealed that individuals' own anti-fat attitudes (all types) were positively associated with more frequent receipt of spousal control and undermining. Additionally, partner's fears about gaining weight were positively associated with more frequent receipt of spousal control and dislike of higher weight people and fear of gaining weight (among those of higher weight status) were positively associated with more frequent receipt of spousal undermining. CONCLUSION Our findings add to the literature on diet-related interactions among gay married men, highlight the value of examining these processes dyadically, and suggest the importance of including both members of couples in health promotion and intervention efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin J August
- Departments of Psychology and Health Sciences and Graduate Program in Prevention Science, Rutgers University, Camden, New Jersey, USA
| | - Josh R Novak
- Department of Human Development and Family Science, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
| | - Charlotte H Markey
- Departments of Psychology and Health Sciences and Graduate Program in Prevention Science, Rutgers University, Camden, New Jersey, USA
| | - Megan B Mason
- Departments of Psychology and Health Sciences and Graduate Program in Prevention Science, Rutgers University, Camden, New Jersey, USA
| | - Terry Peak
- Departments of Social Work and Kinesiology and Health Science, Utah State University, Logan, Utah, USA
| | - Julie Gast
- Departments of Social Work and Kinesiology and Health Science, Utah State University, Logan, Utah, USA
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Heidari M, Khodadadi Jokar Y, Madani S, Shahi S, Shahi MS, Goli M. Influence of Food Type on Human Psychological-Behavioral Responses and Crime Reduction. Nutrients 2023; 15:3715. [PMID: 37686747 PMCID: PMC10490081 DOI: 10.3390/nu15173715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this narrative review is to emphasize the importance of food consumption and meal selection on mental health and brain function, including psychological and behavioral reactions such as mood, loving relationships, violence, and criminal activity. Additionally, by being aware of the link between food and mental health, the community can be encouraged to make informed food choices in order to avoid unfavorable outcomes like criminality. Food behaviors are shifting significantly over the world. There are also significant changes in mood, sadness, happiness, and violence, as well as the spread of the variety and severity of mental diseases that lead to violent acts. Food intake and meal selection have evolved over the last ten years as the variety and accessibility of food options have become easier and more diverse. These modifications might have both beneficial and bad consequences. This article examines the relationship between food intake and its impact on marital satisfaction. The goal of this review is to support or refute the claim that food influences mood, love, or criminal behavior, or vice versa. Various diets can have an impact on one's mental health and brain, influencing psychological reactions and behavioral responses such as mood, loving relationships, violence, and even criminal activity. Food insecurity has been demonstrated in various studies to have a negative impact on health and psychological well-being, leading to despair, loss of happiness, marital conflict, and violence. For example, herbal extracts and flavonoids have the potential to improve gut microbiota and treat mood disorders. Understanding how the gut-brain axis communicates might help guide interventions for mood and cognitive function. Since the root of most diseases and behaviors is significantly related to the type of food consumed, this research addresses this issue in order to reduce the cost of treatment and prevention of crime and delinquency at the community level by consciously choosing the food consumed by the society. In other words, prevention is always better than cure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masoud Heidari
- Department of Humanities and Law, Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan 81551-39998, Iran; (M.H.); (M.S.S.)
| | - Yalda Khodadadi Jokar
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Laser and Biophotonics in Biotechnologies Research Center, Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan 81551-39998, Iran
| | - Shirin Madani
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Laser and Biophotonics in Biotechnologies Research Center, Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan 81551-39998, Iran
| | - Sharifeh Shahi
- Department of Medical Engineering, Laser and Biophotonics in Biotechnologies Research Center, Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan 81551-39998, Iran
| | - Mohammad Sharif Shahi
- Department of Humanities and Law, Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan 81551-39998, Iran; (M.H.); (M.S.S.)
| | - Mohammad Goli
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Laser and Biophotonics in Biotechnologies Research Center, Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan 81551-39998, Iran
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Rosenbaum DL, August KJ, Gillen MM, Markey CH. Understanding eating disorder symptoms in same-gender couples: social environmental factors. J Eat Disord 2023; 11:6. [PMID: 36631892 PMCID: PMC9835265 DOI: 10.1186/s40337-023-00732-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexual minority individuals are at disproportionately greater risk for eating disorders, yet little is known about the ways in which factors in the social environment relate to eating disorder symptoms in this population. Utilizing an ecological systems theory framework, we investigated the relative relationships of macro level (i.e., internalization of sociocultural attitudes about appearance) and micro level (i.e., quality of romantic relationship) social environment influences. METHODS Men (n = 144) and women (n = 144) in committed same-gender relationships were recruited as a dyad and completed study questionnaires, including multiple measures of eating disorder symptoms. Multilevel models controlling for key variables (e.g., body mass index) were used to examine gender differences, main effects, and interactions. RESULTS Men reported greater internalization of sociocultural attitudes and uncontrolled eating. Greater internalization of sociocultural attitudes was related to greater eating pathology across all measures. For men, greater relationship quality was related to less uncontrolled eating. CONCLUSIONS Individuals in same-gender relationships experience macro (e.g., sociocultural) level vulnerability factors in relation to disordered eating; however, internalization of sociocultural attitudes may be greater for men. Support at the microsystem level in the form of a high quality committed romantic relationship appears to be helpful protection against uncontrolled eating for men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diane L Rosenbaum
- Abington College, Psychological and Social Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, 1600 Woodland Road, Abington, PA, 19001, USA.
| | | | - Meghan M Gillen
- Abington College, Psychological and Social Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, 1600 Woodland Road, Abington, PA, 19001, USA
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Gerwitz GC, August KJ, Markey CN. Motives for spousal involvement in a Partner's diabetes management: Considering the role of gender and links to diet-related involvement. Health Psychol Open 2023; 10:20551029221143670. [PMID: 36632353 PMCID: PMC9827528 DOI: 10.1177/20551029221143670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Using data from 148 middle-aged and older adult spouses whose partners had type 2 diabetes, we sought to examine spouses' motives for involvement in their partners' diabetes management and whether these motives were related to common types of diabetes-related spousal involvement; we also sought to understand gender differences in these dynamics. Spouses indicated being motivated to be involved in their partners' diabetes management due to altruistic motives to the greatest extent and egoistic motives to the least extent. Results from multivariable regression analyses that controlled for gender, marital quality, and spouses' own conditions requiring dietary changes revealed that all types of motives were related to the frequency of providing diet-related spousal support, whereas only egoistic motives were related to the frequency of exerting diet-related spousal control. We did not find gender differences in any motives nor in associations with spousal involvement. Findings have potential implications for couples-oriented chronic illness interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kristin J August
- Department of Psychology, Rutgers University, Camden, NJ, USA,Kristin J August, Department of Psychology,
Rutgers University, 311 North 5th St, Camden, NJ, USA.
| | - Charlotte N Markey
- Department of Psychology and
Health, Rutgers University, Camden, NJ, USA
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Carels RA, Miller JC, Hlavka R, Shonrock AMT. The interaction between BMI, weight criticism, weight bias, and psychological and relational outcomes within marriage. Eat Weight Disord 2022; 27:1887-1893. [PMID: 34704191 DOI: 10.1007/s40519-021-01324-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To examine (1) whether a wife's BMI interacts with either her husband's weight stigma or (2) her perceived weight criticisms from her husband predict husbands' and wives' psychological and relational outcomes. METHODS The study sample consisted of 209 currently married men and women in a heterosexual relationship. Participants were drawn from an online survey platform (Qualtrics, Inc. Provo, UT) designed to approximate the US population on age, race, and region of the country. Online measures assessed husbands' weight stigma, wives' perceived weight criticisms from husband, and husbands' and wives': (1) relationship satisfaction, (2) sexual intimacy, (3) self-esteem, (4) depressive symptoms, and (5) perceptions of a desirable or ideal mate. RESULTS Wives' BMI interacted with husbands' weight stigma to predict (1) mate value for husbands and wives and (2) marital satisfaction for husbands. The same pattern was noted with interaction of wives' BMI and perceptions of husbands' weight related criticisms. The interaction reflected that higher wife BMI and higher husband weight stigma or wife perceived weight-related criticism predicted lower marital satisfaction, greater depression, and lower perceptions of a desirable or an ideal mate. Lower BMI was not associated with outcomes regardless of the husbands' weight stigma or wives' perceived weight-related criticisms. CONCLUSION To understand the impact of weight stigma and weight related criticisms on perceptions of a desirable or ideal mate and marital outcomes, it is important to examine the interaction with partner's BMI. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III: Evidence obtained from cohort or case-control analytic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert A Carels
- Department of Psychology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA.
| | - J Caroline Miller
- Department of Psychology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Reid Hlavka
- Department of Psychology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
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Markey CH, August KJ, Kelly K, Dunaev JP. Perceptions of Weight Change Among Romantic Partners: Considering Body Image, Relationship Experiences, Gender, and Sexual Orientation. Front Glob Womens Health 2022; 3:798257. [PMID: 35669312 PMCID: PMC9163392 DOI: 10.3389/fgwh.2022.798257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Romantic relationship experiences have been found to be relevant to body image and weight in adulthood. In this study, we investigated predictors of heterosexual, lesbian, and gay romantic partners' (N = 500, Mage = 29.3) perceptions of their own and their partners' weight at the beginning of their relationship and 4.8 years later, on average. Perceived changes in participants' own weight status was associated with greater body dissastisfaction and longer relationship length. Perceived changes in partners' weight status was associated with their partners' BMI, as well as relationship quality. We also found that gender was important in understanding some of these associations. Implications of weight perceptions for individuals' and their partners' health and well-being and the critical role of relationship quality are discussed in the context of the health regulation model.
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Markey CH, August KJ, Gillen MM, Dunaev JL. Predictors of disordered weight loss behaviors among same-sex and opposite-sex romantic partners. Eat Behav 2020; 39:101440. [PMID: 33130364 DOI: 10.1016/j.eatbeh.2020.101440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Although the majority of adults will attempt to lose weight at some point in their lives, most weight loss behaviors are ineffective and potentially harmful. Further, weight loss behaviors often closely resemble disordered eating, and include behaviors such as fasting and purging. The current study examined potential predictors of disordered approaches to weight loss in the context of same-sex and opposite-sex romantic partnerships by investigating participants' (n = 500, Mage = 29.62 years) BMI, body image, self-esteem, relationship quality and disordered weight loss behaviors. We conducted analyses using Actor Partner Interdependence Models, which revealed that the greatest predictors of participating in disordered weight loss behavior were body dissatisfaction and having a male partner. These findings suggest that it is not sexuality, per se, that places individuals at risk for disordered weight loss behavior, but perhaps the value placed on thinness as defined by particular gender and cultural groups.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Meghan M Gillen
- Pennsylvania State University, Abington, PA, United States of America
| | - Jamie L Dunaev
- Rutgers University, Camden, NJ, United States of America
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Novak JR, Wilson SJ, Gast J, Miyairi M, Peak T. Associations between partner's diet undermining and poor diet in mixed-weight, older gay married couples: a dyadic mediation model. Psychol Health 2020; 36:1147-1164. [PMID: 33090040 DOI: 10.1080/08870446.2020.1836179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prior studies have examined how individuals may undermine their partner's efforts to maintain a healthy diet, but gay couples have not been represented in this work. Additionally, research has not accounted for mixed-weight status [lighter partner (LP) and heavier partner] nor investigated the mechanisms through which undermining is associated with dietary outcomes. OBJECTIVE/DESIGN/MEASURES Utilising dyadic data from 224 gay married couples across the United States, we tested associations between perceptions of partner's diet undermining strategies and diet quality with couple food disagreements and depressive symptoms as putative, serial mediators in an actor-partner interdependence mediation model. RESULTS Results revealed that more severe diet undermining was associated with both partners' poorer diet quality, which was explained by more frequent couple food disagreements and higher depressive symptoms for both heavier and LPs. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that undermining strategies are detrimental to both partners' relational health (increased conflict), emotional health (depressive symptoms) and physical health (diet)-regardless of weight status-and provide valuable targets for prevention and intervention. Our study underscores the interdependence of couple relations in lifestyle changes and specifically highlight the need for health professionals to discuss the partner's indirect or unintended disruptions to the patient's plan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua R Novak
- Department of Human Development and Family Science, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Stephanie J Wilson
- Department of Psychology, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Julie Gast
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Science, Utah State University, Logan, UT, USA
| | - Maya Miyairi
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Science, Utah State University, Logan, UT, USA
| | - Terry Peak
- Department of Sociology, Social Work, and Anthropology, Utah State University, Logan, UT, USA
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Fonseca AL, Koyama J, Butler EA. The Role of Family of Origin in Current Lifestyle Choices: A Qualitative Secondary Data Analysis of Interracial and Same-Race Couples. FAMILY & COMMUNITY HEALTH 2018; 41:146-158. [PMID: 29781916 PMCID: PMC5965295 DOI: 10.1097/fch.0000000000000188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Many Americans are in poor health. This is acute for racial/ethnic minorities compared with the Non-Hispanic white population. A grounded theory approach was used to analyze semistructured qualitative interviews to identify perceptions of family-of-origin lifestyle choices in same-race and interracial couples. Several central themes emerged from the data including influence of family-of-origin eating patterns, lack of family-of-origin importance for physical activity, and romantic partner influence in eating and exercise. Findings provide evidence for the socialization of family of origin on lifestyle choices into adulthood and also suggest promising changes due to romantic partner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Laura Fonseca
- Family Studies and Human Development; University of Arizona, 650 N. Park Ave, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
| | - Jill Koyama
- College of Education; University of Arizona, 1430 E. Second Street, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
| | - Emily A. Butler
- Family Studies and Human Development; University of Arizona, 650 N. Park Ave, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
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Umberson D, Donnelly R, Pollitt AM. Marriage, Social Control, and Health Behavior: A Dyadic Analysis of Same-sex and Different-sex Couples. JOURNAL OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL BEHAVIOR 2018; 59:429-446. [PMID: 30052080 PMCID: PMC6261275 DOI: 10.1177/0022146518790560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Prior research based on studies of heterosexual populations suggests that men's health benefits more from marriage than women's, in part because women do more than men to influence the health habits of their spouse. We extend this work by using dyadic survey data from 838 spouses in 419 gay, lesbian, and heterosexual marriages to consider differences in social control tactics across same-sex and different-sex couples-that is, how spouses monitor and regulate each other's health habits. Results suggest that although gender differences in social control are common, gendered patterns sometimes differ depending on whether one is in a same-sex or different-sex marriage. Results also point to the importance of health habits as strong drivers of relationship dynamics across gay and lesbian as well as heterosexual marriages.
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Markey CH, Gillen MM, August KJ, Markey PM, Nave CS. Does "body talk" improve body satisfaction among same-sex couples? Body Image 2017; 23:103-108. [PMID: 28938226 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2017.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2016] [Revised: 08/15/2017] [Accepted: 08/15/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Research suggests the important role of romantic partners in shaping how individuals feel about their bodies (e.g., Markey & Markey, 2013, 2014), but the processes that result in changes in body satisfaction within relationships have rarely been examined. To investigate how partners may potentially affect body image, 72 lesbian couples and 72 gay male couples (total N=288) completed body image assessments on their own and with the help of their partners. Multilevel modeling revealed that both men and women reported an improvement in body satisfaction after talking with their partners while completing the body image assessment together. Improvement in body satisfaction appeared to result from participants' reconsideration of their body ideals, not their appraisal of their current bodies. Implications of these findings for improving body image in the context of relationships are discussed.
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Markey CN, August KJ, Bailey LC, Markey PM, Nave CS. The pivotal role of psychology in a comprehensive theory of obesity. Health Psychol Open 2016; 3:2055102916634365. [PMID: 28070394 PMCID: PMC5193294 DOI: 10.1177/2055102916634365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The target article offers a comprehensive approach to conceptualizing psychological factors contributing to obesity. Strengths of Marks’ theory include giving body image a central focus, discussing the importance of emotional states on food reliance, and conveying avenues for interventions and treatment. Marks’ approach carefully delineates the interpersonal nature of obesity, although our work suggests that romantic partners are an especially important and understudied factor relevant to eating behaviors, body image, and obesity risk. The target article is an important step toward understanding the complex factors that contribute to obesity.
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