Life dissatisfaction and eating behaviors among older African Americans: the protective role of social support

Abstract

Objectives: To examine (a) the influences of life dissatisfaction and dietary social support on eating behaviors (a high-fat diet and fruit/vegetable consumption) of older African Americans and (b) the moderating role of perceived dietary social support on the association between their life dissatisfaction and unhealthy eating behaviors.

Design: Baseline data from a larger intervention study of mid-life and older African Americans. The study incorporated a quasi-experimental design with random selection of participants, stratifying for age and gender.

Setting: Six churches in North Florida.

Participants: One hundred and seventy-eight (132 females and 46 males with a median age of 60) older African Americans.

Measurements: A structured questionnaire elicited personal data as well as information on eating behaviors, life dissatisfaction, and perceived dietary social support.

Results: Older African Americans with more cumulative life adversity, as reflected by high life dissatisfaction, had significantly poorer eating behaviors including the consumption of a high-fat diet and low intake of fruits and vegetables. Older African Americans' dietary choices were also associated with their perceived social support. More importantly, perceived social support acted as a buffer to mitigate the influence of life dissatisfaction on older African Americans' eating behaviors.

Conclusion: Life dissatisfaction places older African Americans at risk for unhealthy eating behaviors. However, high levels of dietary social support can protect older African Americans from the influence of life dissatisfaction on unhealthy eating behaviors. There are practical implications of this research for health interventions and programming.

Figures

Figure 1. The influence of life dissatisfaction and dietary social support on the consumption of a high-fat diet and fruits and vegetables

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Figure 2. Graphical presentations for the moderating role of dietary social support on the association between the life dissatisfaction and the consumption of (a) a high-fat diet and (b) fruits and vegetables