Attitudes toward Food between Social Work and Nutrition Students: Why it Matters in Real Life
Location
1049
Format Type
Event
Format Type
Paper
Start Date
January 2019
End Date
January 2019
Abstract
Little is known regarding attitudes and beliefs toward eating disorders by students interested in working with this population upon graduation. This study aimed to understand similarities and differences between nutrition and social work students related to attitudes and beliefs toward food and eating, and how these findings may inform their future clinical practice. Using a mixed-method approach [QUANT-QUAL] 14 social work (SW) and 26 food and nutrition (FN) students completed the Eating Disorders Attitudes Questionnaire (EAT-26) and participated in focus groups guided by the method of photo elicitation. After viewing 33 photographs of 11 different foods displayed as small, normal, and large portions according to Eating Well with Canada’s Food Guide, students categorized portions followed by an in-depth description of their rationale. Our presentation will share both written and pictorial findings and explain the importance of this study as it relates to both university curriculum development and practice within the field. We will also share our experience of teaching photo elicitation to research assistants, our own reflective experience as both professors and clinicians of the process and lastly, our professional dilemma regarding referral for counseling when identified.
Keywords
Mixed study, eating disorders, photo elicitation, social work, nutrition students
Attitudes toward Food between Social Work and Nutrition Students: Why it Matters in Real Life
1049
Little is known regarding attitudes and beliefs toward eating disorders by students interested in working with this population upon graduation. This study aimed to understand similarities and differences between nutrition and social work students related to attitudes and beliefs toward food and eating, and how these findings may inform their future clinical practice. Using a mixed-method approach [QUANT-QUAL] 14 social work (SW) and 26 food and nutrition (FN) students completed the Eating Disorders Attitudes Questionnaire (EAT-26) and participated in focus groups guided by the method of photo elicitation. After viewing 33 photographs of 11 different foods displayed as small, normal, and large portions according to Eating Well with Canada’s Food Guide, students categorized portions followed by an in-depth description of their rationale. Our presentation will share both written and pictorial findings and explain the importance of this study as it relates to both university curriculum development and practice within the field. We will also share our experience of teaching photo elicitation to research assistants, our own reflective experience as both professors and clinicians of the process and lastly, our professional dilemma regarding referral for counseling when identified.
Comments
Thank you for considering our abstract for the conference. We hope you find it suitable and supports the theme of next year's conference.
Best,
Colleen and Janet