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Rickerby A, Green R. Barriers to Adopting a Plant-Based Diet in High-Income Countries: A Systematic Review. Nutrients 2024; 16:823. [PMID: 38542734 PMCID: PMC10975979 DOI: 10.3390/nu16060823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Adopting a plant-based diet (PBD) has been shown to reduce the risk of developing certain diseases and is linked to environmental benefits. This review synthesises the evidence on the barriers adults aged 18 to 65 living in high-income countries (HIC) may experience when adopting a PBD. A systematic literature review was conducted using four search databases: Medline, Embase, Global Health, and Web of Science. Barriers were mapped to behaviour change strategies using the COM-B model. Ten studies were included in the final review, including 1740 participants. Five were qualitative, four were cross-sectional, and one was a pre- and-post-intervention study. In total, 40 barriers were identified and synthesised into 11 themes: financial, lack of knowledge, emotional, health, convenience, social, enjoyment of meat, environmental, accessibility, personal ability, and media. Of the 40 barriers, nutritional intake/requirements (categorised into the "health" theme) had the most evidence. This barrier encompassed concerns around being able to meet nutritional needs if an individual were to adopt a PBD. Habits (in the "personal ability" theme), which included established eating habits and habitual behaviours relating to animal-source foods, had the second most evidence alongside the barrier of not knowing what to eat as part of a PBD (in the "lack of knowledge" theme). Education interventions and communication/marketing policies were the behaviour change mechanisms mapped onto these barriers. Future interventions should focus on informing individuals about what to consume as part of a nutritionally balanced PBD and facilitating habitual dietary change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Rickerby
- Department of Population Health, LSHTM Centre on Climate Change and Planetary Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel St, London W1CE 7HT, UK
| | - Rosemary Green
- Department of Population Health, LSHTM Centre on Climate Change and Planetary Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel St, London W1CE 7HT, UK
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2
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Chwyl C, Metzler AL, Nguyen JT, France M, Karbassi N, Turner-McGrievy G, Wright N, Forman EM. "Mindset Matters": Perseverance, a balanced approach and structured support as facilitators of whole foods plant-based adoption. Appetite 2024; 194:107163. [PMID: 38141878 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2023.107163] [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: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
Whole foods plant-based diets (WFPBD) show potential for preventing and addressing chronic diseases. However, concerns exist about their acceptability and feasibility. Research on firsthand WFPBD adoption experiences is limited but crucial for promoting dietary change. In a 12-week remotely delivered lifestyle modification program using an ad libitum WFPBD, twenty weight-loss seeking adults (ages 18-75) with overweight or obesity completed self-report surveys and semi-structured interviews via Zoom. The study aimed to explore: (1) experiences with WFPBD adoption; (2) factors that helped or hindered adherence; and (3) perceived salient benefits. Interviews were analyzed inductively through a conventional content analysis, and associations between variables examined with correlational analyses. Participants overall reported WFPBD adoption being a positive, new experience, with an equal number (30%) finding it easy/easier than expected as challenging. Key cited challenges included overwhelm, different eating habits in the household, and meal preparation. Key cited facilitators included adopting an incremental approach to dietary change, persisting after setbacks, and having simple go-to meals. Greater self-compassion and family support, and less sabotage from friends and family corresponded to greater dietary change (rs > 0.45, ps < .05). Participants valued accountability, structure, human support, nutrition psychoeducation and recipes in the program. Three categories emerged regarding perceived benefits of following the WFPBD: physical health benefits, improvements to eating habits, and greater perceived control/agency over health. Results indicate that future interventions should include psychological strategies alongside nutrition education to enhance self-efficacy, address household barriers, and combat feelings of overwhelm through sufficient structure, support, and meal preparation guidance. Messaging around WFPBD may benefit from discussing prevailing positive experiences with adoption, common benefits experienced, and options for an incremental approach given that feasibility and acceptability concerns may deter efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Chwyl
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Center for Weight, Eating, and Lifestyle Science, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Abigail L Metzler
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
| | - Jade T Nguyen
- Department of Psychology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Madelyn France
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA.
| | - Nikoo Karbassi
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Center for Weight, Eating, and Lifestyle Science, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | | | - Nicholas Wright
- Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners, Gisborne, New Zealand.
| | - Evan M Forman
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Center for Weight, Eating, and Lifestyle Science, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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3
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Dobersek U, Bender M, Etienne A, Fernandez Gil GE, Hostetter C. Meat consumption & positive mental health: A scoping review. Prev Med Rep 2024; 37:102556. [PMID: 38186660 PMCID: PMC10770626 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2023.102556] [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] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The objective of this scoping review was to examine the breadth of the existing literature on the relation between meat consumption or meat abstention and positive psychological functioning. In April 2022, we conducted a systematic search of online databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL Plus, Medline, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science) for primary research examining positive psychological functioning in meat consumers and those who abstain from meat. Thirteen studies met the inclusion/exclusion criteria, representing 89,138 participants (54,413 females and 33,863 males) with 78,562 meat consumers and 10,148 meat abstainers (13-102 years) from multiple geographic regions. The primary outcomes were life satisfaction, "positive mental health", self-esteem, and vigor. The secondary outcomes were "meaning in life", optimism, positive emotions, and psychological well-being. Eight of the 13 studies demonstrated no differences between the groups on positive psychological functioning, three studies showed mixed results, and two studies showed that compared to meat abstainers, meat consumers had greater self-esteem, "positive mental health", and "meaning in life". Studies varied substantially in methods and outcomes. Although a small minority of studies showed that meat consumers had more positive psychological functioning, no studies suggested that meat abstainers did. There was mixed evidence for temporal relations, but study designs precluded causal inferences. Our review demonstrates the need for future research given the equivocal nature of the extant literature on the relation between meat consumption and meat abstention and positive psychological functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urska Dobersek
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern Indiana, Evansville, IN, USA
| | - Mary Bender
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern Indiana, Evansville, IN, USA
| | - Alexandria Etienne
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern Indiana, Evansville, IN, USA
| | | | - Claire Hostetter
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern Indiana, Evansville, IN, USA
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4
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Blackie K, Bobe G, Takata Y. Vegetarian diets and risk of all-cause mortality in a population-based prospective study in the United States. JOURNAL OF HEALTH, POPULATION, AND NUTRITION 2023; 42:130. [PMID: 37996932 PMCID: PMC10666432 DOI: 10.1186/s41043-023-00460-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
The popularity of vegetarian diets has increased the need for studies on long-term health outcomes. A limited number of studies, including only one study from a non-vegetarian population, investigated the risk of mortality with self-identified vegetarianism and reported inconsistent results. This study evaluated prospective associations between vegetarian diets and all-cause mortality among 117,673 participants from the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial cohort study. Vegetarian diet status was self-identified on the questionnaire. Deaths were ascertained from follow-up questionnaires and the National Death Index database. Multivariable Cox regression models were used to estimate the risk of all-cause mortality in hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). By diet group, there were 116,894 omnivores (whose diet does not exclude animal products), 329 lacto- and/or ovo-vegetarians (whose diet excludes meat, but includes dairy and/or eggs), 310 pesco-vegetarians (whose diet excludes meat except for fish and seafood) and 140 vegans (whose diet excludes all animal products). After an average follow-up of 18 years, 39,763 participants were deceased. The risk of all-cause mortality did not statistically significantly differ among the four diet groups. Comparing with the omnivore group, the HR (95% CI) were 0.81 (0.64-1.03) for pesco-vegetarian group, 0.99 (0.80-1.22) for lacto- and/or ovo-vegetarian group and 1.27 (0.99-1.63) for vegan group, respectively. Similarly, mortality risk did not differ when comparing lacto- and/or ovo-vegetarians plus vegans with meat/fish eaters (omnivores and pesco-vegetarians) (HR [95% CI] = 1.09 [0.93-1.28]). As this study is one of the two studies of vegetarianism and mortality in non-vegetarian populations, further investigation is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keeley Blackie
- Health Promotion and Health Behavior Program, College of Health, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Gerd Bobe
- Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Yumie Takata
- Nutrition Program, College of Health, Oregon State University, 103 Milam Hall, Corvallis, OR, USA.
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5
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Yaseen NR, Barnes CLK, Sun L, Takeda A, Rice JP. Genetics of vegetarianism: A genome-wide association study. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0291305. [PMID: 37792698 PMCID: PMC10550162 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0291305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
A substantial body of evidence points to the heritability of dietary preferences. While vegetarianism has been practiced for millennia in various societies, its practitioners remain a small minority of people worldwide, and the role of genetics in choosing a vegetarian diet is not well understood. Dietary choices involve an interplay between the physiologic effects of dietary items, their metabolism, and taste perception, all of which are strongly influenced by genetics. In this study, we used a genome-wide association study (GWAS) to identify loci associated with strict vegetarianism in UK Biobank participants. Comparing 5,324 strict vegetarians to 329,455 controls, we identified one SNP on chromosome 18 that is associated with vegetarianism at the genome-wide significant level (rs72884519, β = -0.11, P = 4.997 x 10-8), and an additional 201 suggestively significant variants. Four genes are associated with rs72884519: TMEM241, RIOK3, NPC1, and RMC1. Using the Functional Mapping and Annotation (FUMA) platform and the Multi-marker Analysis of GenoMic Annotation (MAGMA) tool, we identified 34 genes with a possible role in vegetarianism, 3 of which are GWAS-significant based on gene-level analysis: RIOK3, RMC1, and NPC1. Several of the genes associated with vegetarianism, including TMEM241, NPC1, and RMC1, have important functions in lipid metabolism and brain function, raising the possibility that differences in lipid metabolism and their effects on the brain may underlie the ability to subsist on a vegetarian diet. These results support a role for genetics in choosing a vegetarian diet and open the door to future studies aimed at further elucidating the physiologic pathways involved in vegetarianism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nabeel R. Yaseen
- Department of Pathology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | | | - Lingwei Sun
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
| | - Akiko Takeda
- Retired, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
| | - John P. Rice
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
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6
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Flint M, Bowles S, Lynn A, Paxman JR. Novel plant-based meat alternatives: future opportunities and health considerations. Proc Nutr Soc 2023; 82:370-385. [PMID: 36603854 DOI: 10.1017/s0029665123000034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Present food systems threaten population and environmental health. Evidence suggests reduced meat and increased plant-based food consumption would align with climate change and health promotion priorities. Accelerating this transition requires greater understanding of determinants of plant-based food choice. A thriving plant-based food industry has emerged to meet consumer demand and support dietary shift towards plant-based eating. 'Traditional' plant-based diets are low-energy density, nutrient dense, low in saturated fat and purportedly associated with health benefits. However, fast-paced contemporary lifestyles continue to fuel growing demand for meat-mimicking plant-based convenience foods which are typically ultra-processed. Processing can improve product safety and palatability and enable fortification and enrichment. However, deleterious health consequences have been associated with ultra-processing, though there is a paucity of equivocal evidence regarding the health value of novel plant-based meat alternatives (PBMAs) and their capacity to replicate the nutritional profile of meat-equivalents. Thus, despite the health halo often associated with plant-based eating, there is a strong rationale to improve consumer literacy of PBMAs. Understanding the impact of extensive processing on health effects may help to justify the use of innovative methods designed to maintain health benefits associated with particular foods and ingredients. Furthering knowledge regarding the nutritional value of novel PBMAs will increase consumer awareness and thus support informed choice. Finally, knowledge of factors influencing engagement of target consumer subgroups with such products may facilitate production of desirable, healthier PBMAs. Such evidence-based food manufacturing practice has the potential to positively influence future individual and planetary health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Flint
- Food and Nutrition Subject Group, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield S1 1WB, UK
| | - Simon Bowles
- Food and Nutrition Subject Group, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield S1 1WB, UK
| | - Anthony Lynn
- Food and Nutrition Subject Group, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield S1 1WB, UK
| | - Jenny R Paxman
- Food and Nutrition Subject Group, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield S1 1WB, UK
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7
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Docherty D, Jasper C. The cheese paradox: How do vegetarians justify consuming non-meat animal products? Appetite 2023:106976. [PMID: 37454766 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2023.106976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Researchers interested in animal ethics have proposed the 'meat paradox' - psychological discomfort arising from people's affinity for animals and conflicting desire to consume their flesh. Yet what can be said about the psychology of consuming an animal's non-meat products, in an age where most beings in these industries are harmed, and ultimately killed? Non-meat animal products (NMAPs) such as eggs and dairy entail the same, and perhaps even worse ethical issues as meat yet receive disproportionately less critical attention. Therefore, unlike meat, very little is known about the psychology of egg and dairy consumption. This study looks at vegetarians to address this gap, because they are more likely to show empathetic concern for animals than meat-eaters, yet actively choose to include these products in their diet, a conflict ripe for exploration. Interview data were analysed via thematic analysis, finding that vegetarians perceive robust ethical issues with NMAPs but give various justifications pertaining to personal benefits and social norms. Cognitive dissonance was evident and participants used various strategies to resolve it. This paper expands research on food psychology and animal ethics and may also be used to inform NMAP reduction strategies, an important pursuit in the quest for a more sustainable and compassionate world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devon Docherty
- Division of Psychology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, UK.
| | - Carol Jasper
- Division of Psychology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, UK
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8
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Salehi G, Díaz E, Redondo R. Forty-five years of research on vegetarianism and veganism: A systematic and comprehensive literature review of quantitative studies. Heliyon 2023; 9:e16091. [PMID: 37223710 PMCID: PMC10200863 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e16091] [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] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Meat production and consumption are sources of animal cruelty, responsible for several environmental problems and human health diseases, and contribute to social inequality. Vegetarianism and veganism (VEG) are two alternatives that align with calls for a transition to more ethical, sustainable, and healthier lifestyles. Following the PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a systematic literature review of 307 quantitative studies on VEG (from 1978 to 2023), collected from the Web of Science in the categories of psychology, behavioral science, social science, and consumer behavior. For a holistic view of the literature and to capture its multiple angles, we articulated our objectives by responding to the variables of "WHEN," "WHERE," "WHO," "WHAT," "WHY," "WHICH," and "HOW" (6W1H) regarding the VEG research. Our review highlighted that quantitative research on VEG has experienced exponential growth with an unbalanced geographical focus, accompanied by an increasing richness but also great complexity in the understating of the VEG phenomenon. The systematic literature review found different approaches from which the authors studied VEG while identifying methodological limitations. Additionally, our research provided a systematic view of factors studied on VEG and the variables associated with VEG-related behavior change. Accordingly, this study contributes to the literature in the field of VEG by mapping the most recent trends and gaps in research, clarifying existing findings, and suggesting directions for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gelareh Salehi
- Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, Universidad Pontificia Comillas. ICADE, Spain
- Business Management Department, Spain
| | - Estela Díaz
- Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, Universidad Pontificia Comillas. ICADE, Spain
- Business Management Department, Spain
| | - Raquel Redondo
- Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, Universidad Pontificia Comillas. ICADE, Spain
- Quantitative and Statistical Analysis Department, Spain
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9
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Yoo R, Kim SY, Kim DH, Kim J, Jeon YJ, Park JHY, Lee KW, Yang H. Exploring the nexus between food and veg*n lifestyle via text mining-based online community analytics. Food Qual Prefer 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodqual.2022.104714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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10
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Amato M, Marescotti M, Demartini E, Gaviglio A. Validation of the Dietarian Identity Questionnaire (DIQ): A case study in Italy. Food Qual Prefer 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodqual.2022.104690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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11
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Stone A. The relationship between attitudes to human rights and to animal rights is partially mediated by empathy. THE JOURNAL OF SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2022; 163:367-380. [PMID: 36317660 DOI: 10.1080/00224545.2022.2140024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Veganism has become increasingly popular in recent years in many countries including the UK and the USA. Studies have found that vegans tend to be female, lower in Right-Wing Authoritarianism (RWA) and Social Dominance Orientation (SDO), and higher in feminist perspectives (FPS). Study 1 (n = 311) investigated the relationships among meat consumption, ethical veganism (using a custom-written scale), RWA, SDO, and FPS, in a series of questionnaires completed online. RWA, SDO, and meat consumption correlated together in one group of variables; FPS and ethical veganism correlated together in a distinct group. In Study 2 participants also completed the Toronto Empathy Questionnaire (TEQ) as a potential mediator variable. The relationship between RWA, SDO, and FPS as predictors, and ethical veganism as target, was partially mediated by empathy. This pattern of results suggests that individuals who hold egalitarian and inclusive views as regards human-human relationships also tend to have similar views as regards human-animal relationships, with empathy as an underlying common factor.
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Markowski KL. Identity processes and food choice: predictors of dietary lapses among ethical and health vegans. THE JOURNAL OF SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2022; 163:294-310. [PMID: 35938609 DOI: 10.1080/00224545.2022.2105194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
An interesting finding in the literature on vegetarianism and veganism finds that vegetarians and vegans often report that they deviate from their diets from time to time. Work examining this phenomenon finds that these dietary lapses relate to many factors; however, little research examines how these factors collectively influence dietary lapses while also controlling for the relationships that may exist among factors. Here, I fill this gap by drawing from the unified model of vegetarian identity (UMVI) and identity theory (IT) to propose an inclusive model of dietary lapses. Structural equation model results from a sample of 488 vegans reveal differences in how identity and interactional processes relate to dietary lapses across ethical and health motivations. This work is important because it highlights how identities relate to dietary behaviors differently for ethical and health vegans; it also provides fruitful avenues for future work in this area.
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Psychological Processes Underlying an Omnivorous, Vegetarian, or Vegan Diet: Gender Role Self-Concept, Human Supremacy Beliefs, and Moral Disengagement from Meat. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14148276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Most people consume meat regularly but simultaneously claim to be animal lovers, which should lead to a state of cognitive dissonance and cause distress. Against this backdrop, it is important to understand why some people decide to stop consuming meat or completely eschew animal products, while others do not. Research has shown gender and self-regulatory mechanisms as important factors, but the underlying psychological processes require further examination. In total, 3259 vegans, vegetarians, and omnivores completed an online questionnaire about their diet, gender role self-concept, moral disengagement from meat consumption, and human supremacy beliefs. The results showed that male vegans described themselves as more feminine but no less masculine than male omnivores, while no such differences were found in women. Furthermore, omnivores reported the highest moral disengagement from meat consumption, followed by vegetarians and vegans. The same was true of human supremacy beliefs. Moreover, the results showed that not only is diet itself related to differences in human supremacy beliefs but also the motives for this diet, with health and environmental motives being associated with stronger human supremacy beliefs than animal-related motives. These findings present practical implications for animal rights activists, marketing, and the health and education sectors.
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14
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Gregson R, Piazza J, Boyd RL. 'Against the cult of veganism': Unpacking the social psychology and ideology of anti-vegans. Appetite 2022; 178:106143. [PMID: 35787403 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2022.106143] [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: 01/22/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Despite the established health and ecological benefits of a plant-based diet, the decision to eschew meat and other animal-derived food products remains controversial. So polarising is this topic that anti-vegan communities - groups of individuals who stand vehemently against veganism - have sprung up across the internet. Much scholarship on veganism characterizes anti-vegans in passing, painting them as ill-informed, uneducated, or simply obstinate. However, little empirical work has investigated these communities and the individuals within them. Accordingly, we conducted a study using social media data from the popular platform, Reddit. Specifically, we collected all available submissions (∼3523) and comments (∼45,528) from r/AntiVegan subreddit users (N = 3819) over a five-year period. Using a battery of computerized text analytic tools, we examined the psychosocial characteristics of Reddit users who publicly identify as anti-vegan, how r/AntiVegan users discuss their beliefs, and how the individual user changes as a function of community membership. Results from our analyses suggest several individual differences that align r/AntiVegan users with the community, including dark entertainment, ex-veganism and science denial. Several topics were extensively discussed by r/AntiVegan members, including nuanced discourse on the ethicality and health implications of vegan diets, and the naturalness of animal death, which ran counter to our expectations and lay stereotypes of r/AntiVegan users. Finally, several longitudinal changes in language use were observed within the community, reflecting enhanced group commitment over time, including an increase in group-focused language and a decrease in cognitive processing. Implications for vegan-nonvegan relations are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Gregson
- Lancaster University, Department of Psychology, Lancaster, LA1 4YF, United Kingdom.
| | - Jared Piazza
- Lancaster University, Department of Psychology, Lancaster, LA1 4YF, United Kingdom
| | - Ryan L Boyd
- Lancaster University, Department of Psychology, Lancaster, LA1 4YF, United Kingdom; Security Lancaster, Lancaster University, United Kingdom; Data Science Institute, Lancaster University, United Kingdom
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15
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Pluck S, Morrison-Saunders A. Where we work determines what we eat: A qualitative exploration of the multi-dimensional influences on meat consumption when home and office working during the Covid 19 lockdown in London, UK. Appetite 2022; 178:106147. [PMID: 35760204 PMCID: PMC9233871 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2022.106147] [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] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Food choices, including the decision to consume meat, are complex and determined by many inter-related influences. This study examined the choice of working professionals to consume meat in the context of forced changes in working conditions during lockdowns in London during the Covid 19 outbreak in 2020–21. Guided by an adapted Ecological Framework depicting influences on food choice in this context, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 33 employees of a financial services consultancy who normally work from offices in central London but were homeworking at the time of research. Food choices associated with all meals (but especially lunches) when working in each setting were explored. Four key themes emerged from the research. Firstly, when office-working the influence of colleagues (social environment factor) on the choice to consume meat was variable and individual-level factors, particularly personality traits, impacted the extent of social influence. Secondly, limited availability of non-meat options and preferences for buying meat-based meals outside the home (physical environment factor), contributed to more meat consumption when office-working. Thirdly, alignment of food choices between household members (social environment factor), largely for convenience reasons, resulted in a greater likelihood of non-meat meals being eaten when homeworking. Finally, not having to commute (physical environment factor) meant participants had more time available, resulting in changes to routines and priorities (individual-level factors), with some reduced meat consumption. Overall, research findings contribute to building understanding of how both home and office-working influence the choice to consume meat. Findings may be used to inform strategies to reduce meat consumption, which will in turn play a role in supporting global climate change targets and reducing harm to the natural environment associated with food choices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Pluck
- BCS Consulting, Part of Accenture, London, UK; 11 Curwen Avenue, London, E7 0HB, UK.
| | - Angus Morrison-Saunders
- Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership, University of Cambridge, UK; Centre for People, Place and Planet, Edith Cowan University, Australia; Research Unit for Environmental Science and Management, North West University, South Africa.
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Dijkstra A, Rotelli V. Lowering Red Meat and Processed Meat Consumption With Environmental, Animal Welfare, and Health Arguments in Italy: An Online Experiment. Front Psychol 2022; 13:877911. [PMID: 35664167 PMCID: PMC9159469 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.877911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction In addition to being a source of valuable nutrients, meat consumption has several negative consequences; for the environment, for animal welfare, and for human health. To persuade people to lower their meat consumption, it is assumed that the personal relevance of the topic of lowering meat consumption is important as it determines how people perceive the quality of the arguments. Method In an experimental exploratory field study (n = 139), participants recruited from the general Italian population were randomized to one of the four conditions with a text with pictures on the environmental, animal welfare, or health consequences of meat consumption, or a text on mustard (the control condition). The dependent variables were self-reported consumption of red meat and processed meat after 2 weeks. Personal relevance was assessed in the pre-test with self-reported meat consumption and intention. Results The interaction between pre-test meat consumption and condition was significant: In participants who scored high on pre-test meat consumption, the self-reported red meat consumption after 2 weeks in the health argument condition was significantly lower compared to the control condition and the environmental argument condition. The effects of pre-test intention as a moderator were less certain. Discussion The persuasive effects of the different arguments made a difference only in people who ate a relatively high level of meat in pre-test, and the type of arguments made a difference. Although the present outcomes are caused by the specific formulations of the arguments in this study, the results do show that it is relevant to choose the arguments carefully to ensure effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arie Dijkstra
- Department of Social Psychology, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Valentina Rotelli
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Milan, Italy
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Müssig M, Pfeiler TM, Egloff B. Why They Eat What They Eat: Comparing 18 Eating Motives Among Omnivores and Veg *ns. Front Nutr 2022; 9:780614. [PMID: 35265655 PMCID: PMC8899081 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.780614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
While the diets of most people include meat, millions of individuals follow a meat-free diet. But why do people eat what they eat? Here we explored differences and commonalities in the eating motives of omnivores and veg*ns (i.e., both vegetarians and vegans). Specifically, we compared mean levels and rank order of 18 eating motives in two samples (Study 1: 294 omnivores, 321 veg*ns; Study 2: 112 omnivores, 622 veg*ns). We found that omnivores were more motivated than veg*ns by the eating motives of Traditional Eating and Habits, while veg*ns were more motivated by Animal Protection and Environmental Protection. Differences among groups in Health were inconsistent across studies. Despite these differences in mean levels, the rank order of the eating motives was very similar: Two of the top four eating motives of both diet groups in both studies were Liking and Health, while Social Norms, Social Image, and Religion were among the four least important motives of both groups. Overall, while we did find differences in the absolute importance of certain motives, we also found striking similarities in the relative importance of eating motives, suggesting that including a wide range of eating motives could be beneficial when examining dietary behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Müssig
- Department of Psychology, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany.,Leibniz Institute for Resilience Research, Mainz, Germany
| | - Tamara M Pfeiler
- Department of Psychology, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Boris Egloff
- Department of Psychology, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
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Darwin AH, Carroll MP, Galvis Noda SD, Perez Perez SF, Mhaskar RS, Spoto-Cannons AC, Lockey RF. Calcium and vitamin D intake in allergic versus non-allergic children and corresponding parental attitudes towards dairy products. World Allergy Organ J 2021; 14:100579. [PMID: 34611472 PMCID: PMC8477215 DOI: 10.1016/j.waojou.2021.100579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is hypothesized that parents of children with allergic conditions believe dairy products are potentially harmful to their child. OBJECTIVES This study compares the calcium and vitamin D intake of allergic versus non-allergic children and parental beliefs about milk and dairy products. METHODS A survey and food-frequency-questionnaire were administered to parents of children between 3 and 13 years, 110 with allergic disease (allergic rhinitis, asthma, food allergy, and/or atopic dermatitis) versus 110 without allergic disease. Calcium and vitamin D intake was calculated from the food-frequency-questionnaire and compared to National Institutes of Health recommendations. Associations between atopy, calcium and vitamin D intake, and beliefs were investigated using Chi-square test (α = 0.05). Distribution across subjects was investigated using Mann-Whitney-U test (α = 0.05). RESULTS Fewer allergic (51.8%) versus non-allergic children (77.3%) met the recommended calcium intake (p < 0.001). Both had similar rates of insufficient vitamin D intake: 12.7% allergic and 17.3% non-allergic (p = 0.345). 81.7% of parents of allergic versus 94.0% of non-allergic children believe intake of dairy is important (p = 0.009). 23.7% of parents of allergic versus 8.0% of non-allergic children believe dairy negatively impacts their child (p = 0.003). 19.1% of parents of allergic children (excluding 3 with documented milk allergy) versus 2.0% of non-allergic believe their child is allergic or intolerant to dairy (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Children are at risk of insufficient calcium and vitamin D intake. Atopic children may be at increased risk for insufficient intake, due in part to parent's negative beliefs regarding dairy products. Physicians should counsel on the importance of micronutrient intake and how allergic conditions do or do not entail dietary restrictions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia H. Darwin
- University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
| | | | | | | | - Rahul S. Mhaskar
- University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
| | | | - Richard F. Lockey
- University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
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Perceptions of Vegan Food among Organic Food Consumers Following Different Diets. SUSTAINABILITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/su13179794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
This article identifies consumer segments for vegan food by analysing perceptions of vegan food among food organic consumers following different diets: vegans, vegetarians, former vegetarians, flexitarians, and omnivores. The analysis is based on responses to a quantitative consumer survey for which 503 participants were recruited from customers at German grocery stores by quota sampling according to diet and region. From the responses to an open-ended question eliciting the participants’ associations with vegan food, the analysis finds that vegans and vegetarians perceive vegan foods primarily as being beneficial for animal welfare, healthy, and environmentally friendly, while those who ate meat perceive vegan food primarily as containing no animal ingredients and as being healthy. The respondents’ varying assessments of the taste, diversity, and environmental benefits of vegan food were found to differ in relation to the various diets they followed, as did their assessments of how long the vegan trend is likely to last. A cluster analysis based on the consumers’ perceptions and attitudes revealed three consumer groups: “vegan fans”, “enjoyment sceptics”, and “originality-sceptics”. Scepticism about the originality of vegan food was found in all diet groups. These findings can help inform more effective targeting of consumer needs for vegan organic food.
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Perrine T. Default Vegetarianism and Veganism. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL & ENVIRONMENTAL ETHICS 2021; 34:13. [PMID: 33821131 PMCID: PMC8014907 DOI: 10.1007/s10806-021-09856-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
This paper describes a pair of dietary practices I label default vegetarianism and default veganism. The basic idea is that one adopts a default of adhering to vegetarian and vegan diets, with periodic exceptions. While I do not exhaustively defend either of these dietary practices as morally required, I do suggest that they are more promising than other dietary practices that are normally discussed like strict veganism and vegetarianism. For they may do a better job of striking a balance between normative concerns about contemporary farming practices and competing considerations of life. Additionally, I argue that framing discussions in terms of defaults is useful for various reasons: it helps organize agreements and disagreements, it more accurately reflects the way people conceptualize their dietary practices, and it presents a more dialectically effective view.
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Tan NP, Conner TS, Sun H, Loughnan S, Smillie LD. Who gives a veg? Relations between personality and Vegetarianism/Veganism. Appetite 2021; 163:105195. [PMID: 33705890 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2021.105195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2020] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
With rates of vegetarianism and veganism (i.e., veg*nism) rising around the world, a growing body of research has begun to explore psychological characteristics that distinguish vegetarians and vegans from omnivores. However, relatively few studies have examined how veg*nism is related to differences in basic personality traits such as the "Big Five", with those that have tending to yield conflicting results. Moreover, none of these studies have examined personality at the lower levels of the personality trait hierarchy (i.e., aspects and facets of the Big Five). Thus, we sought to clarify how personality traits are related to veg*nism. In Study 1, comprising two samples (S1a: N = 797, S1b: N = 1534), participants were categorised as Veg*n vs Restricted-omnivore vs Omnivore, and completed personality questionnaires at the domain and aspect levels of the Big Five. In Study 2, participants (N = 562) completed both categorical and continuous measures of veg*nism, along with personality questionnaires at the domain, aspect, and facet levels. Across both studies, we found that people who scored higher on traits within the openness/intellect and agreeableness domains most consistently reported higher levels of veg*nism. Patterns in the data also suggested that the relation between personality and veg*nism might depend on the way veg*nism is measured. Theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas P Tan
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne, Australia.
| | | | - Haisu Sun
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Luke D Smillie
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne, Australia
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22
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Yisahak SF, Hinkle SN, Mumford SL, Li M, Andriessen VC, Grantz KL, Zhang C, Grewal J. Vegetarian diets during pregnancy, and maternal and neonatal outcomes. Int J Epidemiol 2021; 50:165-178. [PMID: 33232446 PMCID: PMC7938506 DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyaa200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vegetarian diets are becoming increasingly popular in the USA. Limited research has examined the health consequences of vegetarian diets during pregnancy. We comprehensively examined associations of vegetarianism during pregnancy with maternal and neonatal outcomes. METHODS We used data from the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development's Fetal Growth Studies-Singletons, a prospective multi-site cohort of 1948 low-risk pregnant women of four races/ethnicities (White, Black, Hispanic, Asian/Pacific Islander) in the USA (2009-2013). Vegetarianism was self-reported and also defined based on dietary patterns measured using a self-administered first-trimester food-frequency questionnaire (full [lacto-ovo and vegan], pesco-, semi- and non-vegetarians). Neonatal outcomes included birthweight and neonatal anthropometric measures, small for gestational age, small for gestational age with neonatal morbidity and preterm delivery. Maternal outcomes included gestational weight gain, gestational diabetes, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and gestational anaemia. RESULTS Ninety-nine (6.2%) women self-reported being vegetarian. The diet-based definition identified 32 (2.0%) full vegetarians, 7 (0.6%) pesco-vegetarians and 301 (17.6%) semi-vegetarians. Neonates of diet-based full vegetarians had higher odds of being small for gestational age [adjusted odds ratio (ORadj) = 2.51, 95% confidence interval: 1.01, 6.21], but not of being small for gestational age with a postnatal morbidity. Full vegetarians had marginally increased the odds of inadequate second-trimester gestational weight gain (ORadj = 2.24, 95% confidence interval: 0.95, 5.27). CONCLUSION Vegetarian diets during pregnancy were associated with constitutionally smaller neonatal size, potentially via the mothers' reduced gestational weight gain. Notably, vegetarianism was not associated with small-for-gestational-age-related morbidities or other adverse maternal outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samrawit F Yisahak
- Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Stefanie N Hinkle
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Sunni L Mumford
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Mengying Li
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Victoria C Andriessen
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Katherine L Grantz
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Cuilin Zhang
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jagteshwar Grewal
- Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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23
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Influence of the Socio-Cultural Environment and External Factors in Following Plant-Based Diets. SUSTAINABILITY 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/su12219093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
A general transition to plant-based diets is recommended for improved human and planetary health. The information about why people opt for plant-based diets can be used to profile future health promotion initiatives. We studied the reasons that encouraged the adoption and maintenance of plant-based diets and the influence of the socio-cultural environment and other external factors. Through the use of a specifically designed questionnaire, we evaluated two different populations. Interpreting data from 229 participants, we observed the relevance of adapting strategies to motivate people to embrace plant-based diets according to their socio-cultural environment. External factors facilitating access to plant-based products appeared to be essential in both populations.
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24
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Qualitative Research Study of the Calorie Count Process in Hospitalized Pediatric Patients and Identification of Opportunities for Quality Improvement. TOP CLIN NUTR 2020. [DOI: 10.1097/tin.0000000000000222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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25
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Collins M, Quinton S. The inter-relationship between diet, selflessness, and disordered eating in Australian women. Brain Behav 2020; 10:e01774. [PMID: 32767655 PMCID: PMC7507084 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.1774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Personality traits and diet can be used to predict if a person is predisposed to disordered eating. Results of this study demonstrate a strong significant relationship between the personality trait of selflessness, diet group, and disordered eating. Vegans were most likely to display selflessness tendencies associated with disordered eating; however when selflessness was controlled for, vegans displayed substantially less disordered eating pathology than non-vegetarians. OBJECTIVE To explore the relationship between diet group (non-vegetarian, semi-vegetarian, true-vegetarian, and vegan) and disordered eating while investigating to what extent personality trait of selflessness mediates the relationship between diet group and disordered eating. METHOD Cross-sectional data from 634 Australian nonclinical women who completed a series of online questionnaires including measures of diet group, disordered eating, and selflessness were used to examine associations between diet, personality (selflessness), and disordered eating. RESULTS Selflessness was found to be a significant positive predictor of disordered eating. Results confirm that selflessness played a suppressing role in the relationship between the vegan diet group and disordered eating, when compared to non-vegetarians. Surprisingly, vegans displayed significantly less disordered eating than non-vegetarians and semi-vegetarians. DISCUSSION Results of the current study imply that the role of selflessness on disordered eating, when broken down across diet group, may be more complex than first thought. If replicated, these results suggest that targeted treatment of selflessness in different diet groups may improve treatment outcomes for disordered eating. Further research should explore why diet groups differ in terms of selflessness and how this impacts disordered eating.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Understand the current prevalence, health benefits, and health risks of vegetarian diets. RECENT FINDINGS Since the publishing of the Adventist Health Study 2 in 2013, there have been several prospective diet studies demonstrating and challenging the health benefits and risks of the vegetarian diet. The definition of the vegetarian diet has become more specific over time and requires standardization for research purposes. Despite an uptrend in sales rates of plant-based foods per year, a 2018 Gallup poll showed overall stagnation of the percentage of self-reported vegetarians and vegans compared to percentages obtained 6 years prior. Compared to the Adventist Health Study, more recent vegetarian diet studies have demonstrated significant although smaller risk reductions for mortality in cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, and chronic kidney disease. Recent studies have correlated certain food groups with early death or increased longevity. In addition, the vegetarian health risks of deficiencies of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, vitamin B12, iron, calcium, and zinc are explored.
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27
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Kemper JA. Motivations, barriers, and strategies for meat reduction at different family lifecycle stages. Appetite 2020; 150:104644. [DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2020.104644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Revised: 02/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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Blanc S, Massaglia S, Borra D, Mosso A, Merlino V. Animal welfare and gender: a nexus in awareness and preference when choosing fresh beef meat? ITALIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/1828051x.2020.1747952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- S. Blanc
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie, Forestali e Alimentari (DISAFA) , Università di Torino, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - S. Massaglia
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie, Forestali e Alimentari (DISAFA) , Università di Torino, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - D. Borra
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie, Forestali e Alimentari (DISAFA) , Università di Torino, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - A. Mosso
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie, Forestali e Alimentari (DISAFA) , Università di Torino, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - V.M. Merlino
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie, Forestali e Alimentari (DISAFA) , Università di Torino, Grugliasco, Italy
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29
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Hopwood CJ, Bleidorn W, Schwaba T, Chen S. Health, environmental, and animal rights motives for vegetarian eating. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0230609. [PMID: 32240198 PMCID: PMC7117663 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0230609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Health, the environment, and animal rights represent the three main reasons people cite for vegetarian diet in Western societies. However, it has not been shown that these motives can be distinguished empirically, and little is known about what kind of people are likely to be compelled by these different motives. This study had three goals. First, we aimed to use construct validation to test whether develop health, environmental, and animal rights motives for a vegetarian diet could be distinguished. Second, we evaluated whether these motivations were associated with different demographic, behavioral, and personality profiles in three diverse samples. Third, we examined whether peoples’ motivations were related to responses to vegetarian advocacy materials. We created the Vegetarian Eating Motives Inventory, a 15-item measure whose structure was invariant across three samples (N = 1006, 1004, 5478) and two languages (English and Dutch). Using this measure, we found that health was the most common motive for non-vegetarians to consider vegetarian diets and it had the broadest array of correlates, which primarily involved communal and agentic values. Correlates of environmental and animal rights motives were limited, but these motives were strong and specific predictors of advocacy materials in a fourth sample (N = 739). These results provide researchers with a useful tool for identifying vegetarian motives among both vegetarian and non-vegetarian respondents, offer useful insights into the nomological net of vegetarian motivations, and provide advocates with guidance about how to best target campaigns promoting a vegetarian diet.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ted Schwaba
- University of California, Davis, CA, United States America
| | - Sophia Chen
- University of California, Davis, CA, United States America
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30
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Rosenfeld DL. Gender differences in vegetarian identity: How men and women construe meatless dieting. Food Qual Prefer 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodqual.2019.103859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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31
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Parker HW, Vadiveloo MK. Diet quality of vegetarian diets compared with nonvegetarian diets: a systematic review. Nutr Rev 2020; 77:144-160. [PMID: 30624697 DOI: 10.1093/nutrit/nuy067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Vegetarian diets are consistently associated with improved health outcomes, and higher diet quality may contribute to improved health outcomes. This systematic review aims to qualitatively compare the a priori diet quality of vegetarian and nonvegetarian diets. Methods Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol, 2 online databases (Web of Science and PubMed) were searched for English language studies comparing diet quality among vegetarian and nonvegetarian adults using an a priori diet quality index. Two reviewers assessed study eligibility. Comparisons were made between total and component (when available) diet quality scores among the 12 studies meeting inclusion criteria. Conclusions Lacto-ovo vegetarians or vegans had higher overall diet quality (4.5-16.4 points higher on the Healthy Eating Index 2010 [HEI-2010]) compared with nonvegetarians in 9 of 12 studies. Higher HEI-2010 scores for vegetarians were driven by closer adherence to recommendations for total fruit, whole grains, seafood and plant protein, and sodium. However, nonvegetarians had closer adherence to recommendations for refined grains and total protein foods. Higher diet quality in vegetarian diets may partially explain improvements in health outcomes compared with nonvegetarians; however, more research controlling for known confounders like health consciousness is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haley W Parker
- Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Maya K Vadiveloo
- Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, USA
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Rothgerber H. Meat-related cognitive dissonance: A conceptual framework for understanding how meat eaters reduce negative arousal from eating animals. Appetite 2020; 146:104511. [DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2019.104511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Revised: 11/03/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Rosenfeld DL, Tomiyama AJ. Taste and health concerns trump anticipated stigma as barriers to vegetarianism. Appetite 2020; 144:104469. [DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2019.104469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Revised: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Rosenfeld DL, Tomiyama AJ. When vegetarians eat meat: Why vegetarians violate their diets and how they feel about doing so. Appetite 2019; 143:104417. [DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2019.104417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Revised: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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35
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Plante CN, Rosenfeld DL, Plante M, Reysen S. The role of social identity motivation in dietary attitudes and behaviors among vegetarians. Appetite 2019; 141:104307. [DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2019.05.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Revised: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Rosenfeld DL, Rothgerber H, Tomiyama AJ. Mostly Vegetarian, But Flexible About It: Investigating How Meat-Reducers Express Social Identity Around Their Diets. SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGICAL AND PERSONALITY SCIENCE 2019. [DOI: 10.1177/1948550619869619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Beyond indicating that one does not eat meat, the decision to identify as vegetarian signals social identity. Yet many people limit their meat intake without giving up meat entirely: These people are called flexitarians (a term combining the words, “flexible” and “vegetarian”). Some flexitarians, despite eating meat, consider themselves to be vegetarian. Through a preregistered study ( N = 837), we investigated how flexitarians express social identity around their diets—namely, how they self-identify on a continuous scale ranging from meat-eater (i.e., omnivorous) to vegetarian. Over and above actual eating behavior, two psychosocial variables emerged as significant predictors of flexitarians’ levels of vegetarian identification: the centrality of meat-reduced dieting to their identity and their beliefs about carnism (the ideology of eating animals). These results suggest that greater consideration of meat-reduced eating behaviors offers promise for elucidating the intersections of social identity and moral judgment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel L. Rosenfeld
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Hank Rothgerber
- Department of Psychology, Bellarmine University, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - A. Janet Tomiyama
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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37
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Chan EY, Zlatevska N. Is meat sexy? Meat preference as a function of the sexual motivation system. Food Qual Prefer 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodqual.2019.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Weder S, Hoffmann M, Becker K, Alexy U, Keller M. Energy, Macronutrient Intake, and Anthropometrics of Vegetarian, Vegan, and Omnivorous Children (1⁻3 Years) in Germany (VeChi Diet Study). Nutrients 2019; 11:nu11040832. [PMID: 31013738 PMCID: PMC6521189 DOI: 10.3390/nu11040832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2019] [Revised: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to the lack of current, large-scale studies examining their dietary intake and health, there are concerns about vegetarian (VG) and vegan (VN) diets in childhood. Therefore, the Vegetarian and Vegan Children Study (VeChi Diet Study) examined the energy and macronutrient intake as well as the anthropometrics of 430 VG, VN, and omnivorous (OM) children (1⁻3 years) in Germany. A 3-day weighed dietary record assessed dietary intake, and an online questionnaire assessed lifestyle, body weight (BW), and height. Average dietary intakes and anthropometrics were compared between groups using ANCOVA. There were no significant differences in energy intake or density and anthropometrics between the study groups. OM children had the highest adjusted median intakes of protein (OM: 2.7, VG: 2.3, VN: 2.4 g/kg BW, p < 0.0001), fat (OM: 36.0, VG: 33.5, VN: 31.2%E, p < 0.0001), and added sugars (OM: 5.3, VG: 4.5, VN: 3.8%E, p = 0.002), whereas VN children had the highest adjusted intakes of carbohydrates (OM: 50.1, VG: 54.1, VN: 56.2%E, p < 0.0001) and fiber (OM: 12.2, VG: 16.5, VN: 21.8 g/1,000 kcal, p < 0.0001). Therefore, a VG and VN diet in early childhood can provide the same amount of energy and macronutrients, leading to a normal growth in comparison to OM children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stine Weder
- Fachhochschule des Mittelstands (FHM), University of Applied Sciences, 33602 Bielefeld, Germany.
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Interdisciplinary Research Center, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany.
| | - Morwenna Hoffmann
- Fachhochschule des Mittelstands (FHM), University of Applied Sciences, 33602 Bielefeld, Germany.
| | - Katja Becker
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Interdisciplinary Research Center, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany.
| | - Ute Alexy
- IEL-Nutritional Epidemiology, DONALD Study, University of Bonn, 44225 Dortmund, Germany.
| | - Markus Keller
- Fachhochschule des Mittelstands (FHM), University of Applied Sciences, 33602 Bielefeld, Germany.
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Rosenfeld DL, Tomiyama AJ. How proximal are pescatarians to vegetarians? An investigation of dietary identity, motivation, and attitudes toward animals. J Health Psychol 2019; 26:713-727. [DOI: 10.1177/1359105319842933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Research on the psychology of eating behavior often treats vegetarians as a monolithic group. Yet, a considerable proportion of people (17% in Study 1) who self-identify as vegetarian are actually pescatarians—those who forgo all meats except fish. Research on the psychology of pescatarianism is profoundly lacking, which may hinder future interventionists’ efforts to improve diet. Through two preregistered studies of adults from the United States recruited via Amazon Mechanical Turk (total N = 490), we investigated pescatarianism with respect to dietary identity, motivation, and attitudes toward animals. Results suggest that future research may benefit from studying pescatarians as a distinct dietary group and paying greater attention to whether or not pescatarians self-identify as vegetarian.
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Abstract
Reducing the consumption of meat can make a significant contribution to sustainable development. However, at least in Western societies with their already rather high levels of per-capita meat consumption, only a minority of consumers reduces meat intake by following a vegetarian or plant-based diet. To arrive at a differentiated understanding of the conditions of meat avoidance, we empirically assess the importance of a broad set of specific motivations and constraints previously discussed in the literature, including specific benefits, particular constraints, social norms, and a vegetarian self-identity. The analysis is based on a random sample of students at the university of Zurich (Switzerland)—a social group exhibiting a rather high prevalence of plant-based diets and vegetarianism. Researching this young and educated population sheds light on the motivational underpinnings of consumer segments especially willing to reduce meat intake. Data were collected in November and December 2016. We found that a vegetarian self-identity, both injunctive and descriptive social norms, and convenience are the most important direct determinants of meat avoidance among this young and highly educated consumer segment. Furthermore, the results suggest that a vegetarian self-identity mediates the effects of ethical, health-related, and environmental benefits, taste as a constraint and partially the injunctive norm. Pecuniary costs of a vegetarian diet are not significantly correlated with meat avoidance.
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Leroy F. Meat as a Pharmakon: An Exploration of the Biosocial Complexities of Meat Consumption. ADVANCES IN FOOD AND NUTRITION RESEARCH 2018; 87:409-446. [PMID: 30678819 DOI: 10.1016/bs.afnr.2018.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
In contemporary dietary advice, meat is depicted as a pharmakon: it is believed to either heal or poison the human body (and mind). Often, it also serves as a scapegoat for a wide range of public health issues and other societal problems. Related attitudes, practices, and beliefs pertain to a demarcated mode of thinking or episteme that is characteristic for the so-called post-domestic or industrialized societies. The latter are not only typified by an abundant yet largely concealed production of meat, but increasingly also by moral crisis and confusion about its nutritional meaning. For an improved appreciation of the ambiguous position of meat in human health and disease, as well as the concomitant scattering into different subject positions (e.g., the omnivore, flexitarian, vegetarian, vegan, permaculturalist, and carnivore position), an interdisciplinary approach is required. To this end, the current study tentatively combines food research with a selection of (post-structuralist) concepts from the humanities. The aim is to outline a historical and biosocial need for meat (as well as its rejection) and to analyze how its transformative effects have contributed to a polarized discourse on diet and well-being in academia and society at large. Excessive categorization (for instance with respect to meat's alleged naturalness, normalness, necessity, and niceness) and Manichean thinking in binary opposites are among the key factors that lead to impassioned yet often sterile debates between the advocates and adversaries of meat eating in a post-truth context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frédéric Leroy
- Research Group of Industrial Microbiology and Food Biotechnology (IMDO), Faculty of Sciences and Bioengineering Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.
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42
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Development and validation of the Dietarian Identity Questionnaire: Assessing self-perceptions of animal-product consumption. Appetite 2018; 127:182-194. [DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2018.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2018] [Revised: 04/24/2018] [Accepted: 05/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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43
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Waters J. A model of the dynamics of household vegetarian and vegan rates in the U.K. Appetite 2018; 127:364-372. [PMID: 29772294 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2018.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2018] [Revised: 05/09/2018] [Accepted: 05/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Although there are many studies of determinants of vegetarianism and veganism, there have been no previous studies of how their rates in a population jointly change over time. In this paper, we present a flexible model of vegetarian and vegan dietary choices, and derive the joint dynamics of rates of consumption. We fit our model to a pseudo-panel with 23 years of U.K. household data, and find that while vegetarian rates are largely determined by current household characteristics, vegan rates are additionally influenced by their own lagged value. We solve for equilibrium rates of vegetarianism and veganism, show that rates of consumption return to their equilibrium levels following a temporary event which changes those rates, and estimate the effects of campaigns to promote non-meat diets. We find that a persistent vegetarian campaign has a significantly positive effect on the rate of vegan consumption, in answer to an active debate among vegan campaigners.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Waters
- Warwick Business School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, United Kingdom.
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44
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Forestell CA. Flexitarian Diet and Weight Control: Healthy or Risky Eating Behavior? Front Nutr 2018; 5:59. [PMID: 30042947 PMCID: PMC6048256 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2018.00059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 06/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A carefully planned vegetarian diet meets nutrition recommendations by providing essential nutrients and lowering levels of saturated fat and cholesterol. Because balanced diets that limit or exclude meat tend to be lower in calories than omnivorous diets, it has been suggested that vegetarian eating patterns may be motivated by weight control. This view has been supported by findings demonstrating that vegetarians have a higher rate of disordered and restrained eating than non-vegetarians. Other findings suggest that weight control is a primary reason identified by adolescents and young adults for eliminating items such as meat and other animal products from their diet. Thus, it has been suggested that vegetarianism may provide a socially acceptable means to control body weight. However, this may be an over-generalization. Vegetarians are a heterogeneous group of individuals with radically different eating habits. Moreover, they are often compared to omnivores who eat meat on a regular basis. These omnivorous eating habits do not represent a growing subset of the population, many of whom are adopting a flexitarian diet that involves only the occasional consumption of meat. The goal of the current paper will be to demonstrate that semi-vegetarians and flexitarians are categorically different from vegans, lacto-ovo-vegetarians, and omnivores and describe the motivations as well as the positive and negative health implications that are associated with dietary patterns that limit the intake of meat. It is important for us to understand the motivations and behaviors that are characteristic of flexitarians in order to develop effective evidence-based strategies to address unhealthy eating behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine A Forestell
- Department of Psychological Sciences, The College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, VA, United States
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Anderson EC, Wormwood J, Barrett LF, Quigley KS. Vegetarians' and omnivores' affective and physiological responses to images of food. Food Qual Prefer 2018; 71:96-105. [PMID: 31217670 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodqual.2018.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Many vegetarians report that meat is unpleasant, but little else is known about their affective responses to meat and non-meat foods. Here we explored affective responses to food images in vegetarians and omnivores and tested the hypothesis that vegetarians have global differences in affective processing (e.g., increased disgust sensitivity). We presented pictures of different food items and recorded participants' affective experience while we recorded peripheral physiology. We found that vegetarians' self-reported experience of meat meal images was less pleasant than omnivores', but that other food images were equally pleasant across the two groups. Moreover, vegetarians and omnivores had strikingly similar physiological responses to all food images - including meat meals. We interpret these results from a psychological constructionist perspective, which posits that individuals conceptualize changes in their bodily states in ways that match their beliefs, such that increased sympathetic nervous system activity may be conceptualized as an experience of excitement about a delicious meat meal for omnivores but as an experience of displeasure for a vegetarian who believes meat is cruel, wasteful, impure, or unhealthy. This interpretation is consistent with emerging neuroscience evidence that the brain constructs experience by predicting and making meaning of internal sensations based on past experience and knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Lisa Feldman Barrett
- Northeastern University, United States.,Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, United States
| | - Karen S Quigley
- Northeastern University, United States.,Edith Nurse Rogers Memorial (Bedford) VA Hospital, United States
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46
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Forestell CA, Nezlek JB. Vegetarianism, depression, and the five factor model of personality. Ecol Food Nutr 2018; 57:246-259. [DOI: 10.1080/03670244.2018.1455675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Catherine A. Forestell
- Department of Psychological Sciences, The College of William & Mary, Williamsburg, VA, USA
| | - John B. Nezlek
- Department of Psychological Sciences, The College of William & Mary, Williamsburg, VA, USA
- Institute of Psychology, SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Poznań, Poland
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47
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Pfeiler TM, Egloff B. Examining the “Veggie” personality: Results from a representative German sample. Appetite 2018; 120:246-255. [DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2017.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2017] [Revised: 08/28/2017] [Accepted: 09/06/2017] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
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48
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Hibbeln JR, Northstone K, Evans J, Golding J. Vegetarian diets and depressive symptoms among men. J Affect Disord 2018; 225:13-17. [PMID: 28777971 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2017.07.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2017] [Revised: 07/24/2017] [Accepted: 07/27/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vegetarian diets are associate with cardiovascular and other health benefits, but little is known about mental health benefits or risks. AIMS To determine whether self-identification of vegetarian dietary habits is associated with significant depressive symptoms in men. METHOD Self-report data from 9668 adult male partners of pregnant women in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) included identification as vegetarian or vegan, dietary frequency data and the Edinburgh Post Natal Depression Scale (EPDS). Continuous and binary outcomes were assessed using multiple linear and logistic regression taking account of potential confounding variables including: age, marital status, employment status, housing tenure, number of children in the household, religion, family history of depression previous childhood psychiatric contact, cigarette and alcohol consumption. RESULTS Vegetarians [n = 350 (3.6% of sample)], had higher depression scores on average than non-vegetarians (mean difference 0.96 points [95%CI + 0.53, + 1.40]) and a greater risk for EPDS scores above 10 (adjusted OR = 1.67 [95% CI: 1.14,2.44]) than non-vegetarians after adjustment for potential confounding factors. CONCLUSIONS Vegetarian men have more depressive symptoms after adjustment for socio-demographic factors. Nutritional deficiencies (e.g. in cobalamin or iron) are a possible explanation for these findings, however reverse causation cannot be ruled out.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph R Hibbeln
- Section on Nutritional Neurosciences, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, NIH, Rockville, MD, USA.
| | - Kate Northstone
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, UK
| | - Jonathan Evans
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, UK
| | - Jean Golding
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, UK
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49
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Meesters ANR, Maukonen M, Partonen T, Männistö S, Gordijn MCM, Meesters Y. Is There a Relationship between Vegetarianism and Seasonal Affective Disorder? A Pilot Study. Neuropsychobiology 2017. [PMID: 28637035 DOI: 10.1159/000477247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Seasonal patterns of food intake are found in healthy individuals and particularly in patients with seasonal affective disorder (SAD). One nutritional choice is a vegetarian diet. METHODS In a Finnish population study, FINRISK 2012, information about diet and SAD was collected. In a Dutch outpatient clinic, SAD patients were asked if they were vegetarian. RESULTS The percentage of SAD patients among Finnish vegetarians was 4 times higher than in the normal population. The percentage of vegetarians among the SAD patients in a Dutch outpatient clinic was 3 times higher than in the normal population. In the Dutch population, the seasonal loss of energy, in particular, is related to vegetarianism. CONCLUSION These findings suggest a possible link between vegetarianism and SAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alie N R Meesters
- Department of Behavioural Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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50
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Arora AS, Bradford S, Arora A, Gavino R. Promoting Vegetarianism through Moralization and Knowledge Calibration. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/10496491.2017.1323263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Anshu Saxena Arora
- Wilkes University, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, USA
- Savannah State University, Savannah, Georgia, USA
| | | | - Amit Arora
- Savannah State University, Savannah, Georgia, USA
- Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, USA
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