Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/39271
Title: An investigation of the social and psychological factors affecting healthy diet plans : a study among University students
Authors: Vella, Maria
Keywords: University students -- Malta -- Attitudes
Food habits -- Malta
University students -- Nutrition -- Malta
Diet -- Psychological aspects
Diet -- Social aspects
Issue Date: 2018
Citation: Vella, M. (2018). An investigation of the social and psychological factors affecting healthy diet plans : a study among University students (Master's dissertation).
Abstract: Purpose: Obesity in Malta is prevalent and has not improved over the last few years, therefore a thorough understanding of food choice is critical to enable researchers to identify the main barriers that impede individuals from adopting a healthy lifestyle. The purpose of this quantitative study is to understand university students’ purchasing intentions following their food choice decisions. The main objective was to investigate how social and psychological variables, more specifically, social norms and stress, may affect university students’ intentions towards selecting and consuming healthy food products, specifically while they are on campus. Methodology: This study was based on a quantitative survey that employed three scales, namely the Stress Scale, Social Norms Scale along with the Purchase Intention Scale. This questionnaire was circulated among students to examine possible relationships between purchasing intentions, stress and social norms. The sample consisted of 241 undergraduates and postgraduates attending the University of Malta. Data was subject to factor analysis, multiple regression and cross tabulation. Findings: Findings from this study showed a significant positive relationship for both; stress and social norms, towards purchasing intentions. Therefore, the null hypothesis was rejected for both variables, as statistically significant relationships between stress, social norms and purchase intentions were found at a 0.05 level of significance. The highest-ranking variable was found to be social norms, followed by stress. Future Recommendations: This study concludes by suggesting any possible recommendations for future research on this topic. Given the serious obesity problem in Malta, the findings from this dissertation may be used by nutritionists and policy makers, to enable them to better understand young adults’ motives and subsequent behavioural intentions towards food consumption.
Description: M.SC.STRATEGIC MANGT.&MARKETING
URI: https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar//handle/123456789/39271
Appears in Collections:Dissertations - FacEma - 2018
Dissertations - FacEMAMar - 2018

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