Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Leeds Beckett research study to investigate eating behaviours
The research, led by Jordan Marwood, a Psychology researcher in the School of Social Sciences at Leeds Beckett, aims to develop a clearer view of which factors are most important in relation to certain types of eating behaviour.
Speaking about the study, Jordan said: “Recent research from the NHS Information Centre shows that 6.4% of adults in the UK show signs of an eating disorder, and that this figure is increasing. We know that difficulties around food consumption can be very upsetting, even for those who are not diagnosed with an eating disorder; and this research aims to assess some of the factors that may contribute to disordered eating.
“One of the main types of behaviour we are interested in is a feeling of loss of control while eating. This is known to be associated with high levels of distress, can cause a negative mood and leave people feeling very guilty after eating. The research will examine whether certain personality factors or experiences are associated with loss of control and other eating behaviours.”
The researchers are currently looking to recruit women and men between the ages of 18 and 65 to take part in the study which is completed online, without the need to come into the lab. This study involves completing a number of questionnaires and three behavioural tasks online using a laptop or PC and these are completed in the participant’s own time. Volunteers will be asked a range of questions about their eating habits, the way they feel about food, and their personality, for example how they respond to stressful situations. They will also be asked to complete short tasks assessing decision-making and reaction times to certain images, as well as disclose their height and weight. The study is anonymous and entirely conducted online and participants can omit any questions they do not wish to answer, as well as save their answers and come back to them any time within one week.
As a thank you for taking part in the research, participants will have the chance to be entered into a prize draw to win one of several Love2Shop vouchers on completion of the study, with a top prize of £100.
The survey is open until March 2018 when the research team will begin analysing the data. The findings are likely to be shared through presentations at conferences and inclusion in research papers. This research builds upon previous work within the school on impulsivity (Dr Zoe Kolokotroni) and stress (Dr Therese Shepherd), and will contribute to knowledge and understanding about eating behaviour and food consumption.