Thesis
Investigating the relationships between food choice, diet quality and psychological symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression of mothers with primary-school-aged children. A cross-sectional study of Australian mothers.
University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Master of Science, University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
2026
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25907/00999
Abstract
This study investigated the relationship between food choice, diet quality and psychological symptoms, specifically stress, anxiety and depression among Australian mothers with primary-school-aged children. Poor diet quality and psychological symptoms are linked to non-communicable diseases, premature mortality and increased healthcare burdens. While existing research has examined this relationship in various populations, there is limited focus on mothers with primary-school-aged children. Given the crucial role mothers play in shaping their children’s diet and mental health, understanding the factors influencing mothers' food choices is essential for developing effective strategies to improve diet quality and mental well-being in this group, with potential long-term benefits for both mothers and their children’s health outcomes. This study was a cross-sectional survey design, to investigate the food choices and dietary intake of mothers in Australia, alongside their psychological symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression. Data were collected in two phases between June and September 2023, with ethical approval granted by The University of the Sunshine Coast Human Research Ethics Committee (S221755). In Phase One, eligible mothers completed an online questionnaire on demographics, food choice motives and symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression. Participants then completed a follow-up dietary assessment using the Australian Eating Survey Food Frequency Questionnaire in Phase Two. The Food Choice Questionnaire was used to assess food choice motives, while psychological symptoms were measured using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales. Recruitment occurred via emails, in-person invitations, and targeted Facebook advertisements. Data were analysed using SPSS version 24.0. Descriptive statistics were calculated for demographic characteristics, with food choice and depression, anxiety and stress scores reported as means. Spearman’s bivariate correlation analyses were conducted to examine relationships between demographic variables, food choices, depression, anxiety and stress scores, and diet quality. Data cleaning and assumption testing was carried out, with no missing data for the food choice questionnaire and depression, anxiety and stress items. Due to violations of normality, Spearman’s correlation was used, and outliers were retained in the analysis. Participants from Phase One (N=275) and Phase Two (N=83) were mostly married, had a high income, were highly educated with a bachelor's degree or above and were primarily responsible for food purchasing and preparation at home. The study found that older mothers and those with higher education were more likely to make healthier food choices, while those with lower incomes favoured affordable, familiar foods. Psychological symptoms such as stress, anxiety, and depression were more common among mothers with lower income, education, and younger age. Additionally, mothers with lower psychological symptoms tended to choose healthier foods, while those with higher symptoms preferred convenient and affordable options. Most mothers within our sample had a diet quality that required improvement. This study highlights the complex interplay between food choices and psychological symptoms, with implications for targeted strategies to improve diet quality and mental well-being for mothers and their children. This research contributed to closing a gap by targeting an important understudied population group of Australian mothers with primary-school-aged children. Mothers strongly influence their children’s diet and mental health, which may impact their child’s health in adulthood. This information is fundamental to assist future research and strategies to improve the health, particularly the diet quality of mothers and their children.
Details
- Title
- Investigating the relationships between food choice, diet quality and psychological symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression of mothers with primary-school-aged children. A cross-sectional study of Australian mothers.
- Authors
- Amie Simpson - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health
- Contributors
- Libby Swanepoel (Principal Supervisor) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australian Centre for Pacific Islands ResearchJohn Lowe (Co-Supervisor) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - LegacyKarina Tirsvad Rune (Co-Supervisor) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Cancer Research ClusterFiona Pelly (Co-Supervisor) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health - Nutrition & Dietetics
- Awarding institution
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- Degree awarded
- Master of Science
- Publisher
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- DOI
- 10.25907/00999
- Organisation Unit
- School of Health
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 991199550902621
- Output Type
- Thesis
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