A Cross Comparative Study to Examine Beliefs and Attitudes regarding Food and Eating between Food and Nutrition and Social Work Students

Authors

  • Colleen McMillan Renison University College, University of Waterloo
  • Janet Madill Assistant Professor, Brescia University College Research Chair, Nutrition and Transplantation St James Building, Room 181 1285 Western Road Western University London, ON N6G 1H2 519 432 8353 Extension 28240

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22230/jripe.2017v6n2a238

Keywords:

Interprofessional practice, Nutrition, Social work, Curriculum, Eating disorders

Abstract

Background: Little is known regarding attitudes and beliefs toward eating disorders by students interested in working with this population. This study aims to understand similarities and differences between food and nutrition and social work students regarding their attitudes and beliefs toward food and eating, and how these findings may inform curriculum development prior to graduation as well as practice in the field.

Methods and Findings: Using a mixed-method approach, 14 social work (SW) and26 food and nutrition (FN) students completed the Eating Disorders Attitudes Questionnaire (EAT-26) and participated in focus groups. After viewing 33 photographs of 11 different foods displayed as small, normal, and large portions according to Canada’s Food Guide, students categorized portions followed by their rationale. Different symptoms of disordered eating emerged; choices by FN students were informed by clinical knowledge and internal tension, whereas choices by SW students were based on external influences including industry, family, and cultural expectations. Language was noticeably different; FN students used clinical language creating distance between themselves and the photos, versus SW students who spoke from a personal and affective standpoint.

Conclusions: Understanding attitudes and beliefs concerning food and eating by students planning to work with eating disorder clients raises questions of possible professional competencies and curriculum development prior to entering this practice area.

Author Biographies

Colleen McMillan, Renison University College, University of Waterloo

Dr. Colleen McMillan is an assistant professor at Renison University College, University of Waterloo. She received her PhD from Wilfrid Laurier University. She currently teaches in the schools of social work, pharmacy and department of family medicine. Her research interests include qualitative health methodologies and inter-professional practice. 

Janet Madill, Assistant Professor, Brescia University College Research Chair, Nutrition and Transplantation St James Building, Room 181 1285 Western Road Western University London, ON N6G 1H2 519 432 8353 Extension 28240

Dr. Janet Madill is an assistant professor at Brescia University College, Western University.  She received her PhD from University of Toronto.   She is currently researching and teaching and has mentored over 300 undergraduate and graduate [both MScFN and PhD] students. Her clinical interest is in acute and chronic nutrition complications in all solid organ transplants and her research focus is on sarcopenia pre and post transplantation. 

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Published

2017-04-27

Issue

Vol. 6 No. 2 (2017)

Section

Articles: Empirical Research

License

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