Psychosocial functions of eating behaviour among South African female university students: An exploratory study

Abstract

We explored the psychosocial functions served by eating behaviours among South African female university students. Our informants were 13 female university students between the ages of 18 and 24. The informants completed semi-structured interviews on their eating behaviour and the psychosocial functions they perceived to be served by their eating habits. Following thematic analysis, findings revealed three themes that explained the student’s psychosocial functions served by eating behaviours: (i) social importance of eating behaviours; (ii) social significance and reciprocity in self-perceptions; and (iii) managing personal stressors associated with university life. Student support services should explore the options to utilise interventions that include general eating behaviours of university students as a means to address their adjustment to university life.

Keywords:

• eating behaviour
• female university students
• psychosocial aspects
• qualitative research