گیاهخواری، خویشتن داری غذایی و هویت فمینیستی

Objective Research examining the relationship between dietary restraint and vegetarianism has yielded inconsistent results due to differing definitions of vegetarianism and the possible modifying role of feminist identity. The current study sought to further clarify these relationships by examining three levels of vegetarianism, motivation for vegetarianism, and feminist identity (using an updated measure). Method Participants were 90 female undergraduate students and community members (mean age = 24.34 years). Dietary restraint was measured using the TFEQ; feminism was assessed using the LFAIS. Results Weight-motivated semi-vegetarians reported higher levels of dietary restraint than those not motivated by weight. This effect did not appear among full-vegetarians. Lowest levels of dietary restraint were found among full-vegetarians with no difference between non- and semi-vegetarians. Contrary to previous research, feminist identity did not moderate the relationship between dietary restraint and vegetarianism. Discussion Limitations resulting from a scale with a narrow definition of feminism and the use of multiple sources of recruitment are discussed. Directions for future research are highlighted.

In recent years, an increase in the prevalence of dieting behaviors and disordered eating has been the impetus behind a large body of psychological research. Among the constructs of interest is dietary restraint, a conscious monitoring of food intake for weight control purposes. Research focused on the predictors and consequences of dietary restraint has identified vegetarianism as one correlate, but the exact relationship between these two behaviors remains unclear (Barr et al., 1994, Gilbody et al., 1999, Martins et al., 1999 and Worsley & Skrzypiec, 1997). The current study aims to further define the relationship between vegetarianism and dietary restraint by examining potentially moderating constructs.