The Possible Correlation between Diet and Mood In 2015 statistics revealed that 18.8 million, which is 5.4% of Americans suffer from depressive disorders (Depression Statistics, 2015) this number is not up from the 5.4% in 2006 (Depression, 2013) . Statistics also show that, in 2013, 7.3 million, 13% of Americans, self-identify as vegetarian (Vegetarian Statistics, 2013) which is an increase from 2.5% in 2000 (How many, 2000). Is it possible that the increase in a vegetarian lifestyle has something to do with the number of those diagnosed with depressive disorders not increasing? The purpose of this study would be to investigate a possible correlation between diet and mood. Specifically we would study two groups: omnivores and vegetarians.
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However, are vegetables enough? Those that adhere to a strict vegan diet, no ingestion or use any animal products, are often low in a number of nutrients that are related to healthy brain function such as vitamin B12, vitamin D, and long-chain omega 3 fatty acids (Beezhold, Radnitz, Rinne, & DiMatteo, 2015). Proteins can be found from non-animal sources such as walnuts, legumes, vegetables, and grains. Participants, for this study, were recruited by way of electronic advertisements directed at vegan social pages and flyers posted at vegan restaurants and grocers. Non-vegan participants were not excluded so that a comparative analysis could be done. Selected participants were in the age range of 25-60, healthy and able to complete an online survey. The survey consisted of demographic, lifestyle and social support questions. Incorporated in the survey was the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21 (DASS-21), to measure symptoms consistent with depression, anxiety, and stress. However, upon comparison of three groups: vegan, vegetarian, and omnivore, the vegan participants reported an overall better mood than the omnivore participants at the p < .05 level. There were no significant differences, at any level, for depressive symptoms. The mean scores for anxiety were significant at the p < .05 level and stress levels at the p < .01 level, between omnivores …show more content…
This survey consists of a 16 adjectives for participants to rate using a 4 point Likert scale and 1 over-all mood scale, rated on a scale of -10 to 10. The BMIS survey consists of 16 items which are adjectives that participants will use a four point Likert scale to rate the intensity of each item. For example, the participant will be given the instructions “Circle the response on the scale below that indicates how well each adjective or phrase describes your present mood.” The participant will then have a list of 16 adjectives such as: “lively” “happy” or “grouchy”. Participants will then rate each adjective on this scale: (definitely do not feel) = 1, (do not feel) = 2 (slightly feel) = 3 (definitely feel) =
However, are vegetables enough? Those that adhere to a strict vegan diet, no ingestion or use any animal products, are often low in a number of nutrients that are related to healthy brain function such as vitamin B12, vitamin D, and long-chain omega 3 fatty acids (Beezhold, Radnitz, Rinne, & DiMatteo, 2015). Proteins can be found from non-animal sources such as walnuts, legumes, vegetables, and grains. Participants, for this study, were recruited by way of electronic advertisements directed at vegan social pages and flyers posted at vegan restaurants and grocers. Non-vegan participants were not excluded so that a comparative analysis could be done. Selected participants were in the age range of 25-60, healthy and able to complete an online survey. The survey consisted of demographic, lifestyle and social support questions. Incorporated in the survey was the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21 (DASS-21), to measure symptoms consistent with depression, anxiety, and stress. However, upon comparison of three groups: vegan, vegetarian, and omnivore, the vegan participants reported an overall better mood than the omnivore participants at the p < .05 level. There were no significant differences, at any level, for depressive symptoms. The mean scores for anxiety were significant at the p < .05 level and stress levels at the p < .01 level, between omnivores …show more content…
This survey consists of a 16 adjectives for participants to rate using a 4 point Likert scale and 1 over-all mood scale, rated on a scale of -10 to 10. The BMIS survey consists of 16 items which are adjectives that participants will use a four point Likert scale to rate the intensity of each item. For example, the participant will be given the instructions “Circle the response on the scale below that indicates how well each adjective or phrase describes your present mood.” The participant will then have a list of 16 adjectives such as: “lively” “happy” or “grouchy”. Participants will then rate each adjective on this scale: (definitely do not feel) = 1, (do not feel) = 2 (slightly feel) = 3 (definitely feel) =