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Author

Shelby Belair

Date of Award

2017

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Department

Nursing

Thesis Committee Chairperson

Lisa Ball, PhD, RN, FNP-BC

Abstract

A quantitative, correlational survey study was conducted utilizing the PANAS scale to assess the U.S. general population’s affect in regards to their diet and daily food consumption. Understanding the relationship between diet and affect will assist healthcare providers, including advanced practice nurses, physicians, and physician’s assistants, in health teaching and provide alternative options in adjunct with medications to help those suffering from mental health disorders. The theoretical framework that was used to support this research study was Nightingale’s Environment Theory.

A three-page, 38-question survey incorporating the PANAS scale and various questions in regards to diet was designed by the researcher and used to collect data to support this investigation. The questionnaire was completed by a convenience sample of 126 participants meeting the inclusion criteria on SurveyMonkey. Findings were similar to those of studies reported in the literature review. Results indicated a weak, but positive correlation between a healthy diet and a positive affect. Men and women who reported an increased consumption of fruits and vegetables also reported a more positive affect than those who had a less frequent consumption. These findings illustrate the need for further research on the topic of affect and diet to better understand the correlation between them.

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