About this study
This research project aims to identify a relationship between locus of control, major life events, and eating habits (meal skipping, meal planning, food choices, emotional eating, etc.). The hypotheses are that those with high levels of major life events will have poorer eating habits, particularly those with an external locus of control.
Recruitment Process
To participate in this study, participants must 1) have conversational English, 2) be aged 18-75, and 3) not have a current or historical eating disorder (diagnosed or undiagnosed). If you meet this criteria and wish to participate, you will be required to complete a 10-15 minute survey. This survey consists of three parts. The first part investigates the degree to which you believe control is internal or external. The second part will require you to identify your experiences of major life events in the last 12 months. The last section of the survey investigates eating behaviours, including snacking, meal planning, and emotional eating.
Format
10-15 minute online survey
Confidentiality
Participants will be provided with an anonymous participant ID which will be used with their results, therefore all information provided is deidentified. At no point will the participants have to provide their names or any identifiable information. The demographic information provided by the participants is not considered to be identifiable (sex, age, life events). The student researcher is responsible for all data collected, including the ethical storage and dissemination of results, and subsequent destruction of data in line with DBS and PSI codes of conduct. Data will be stored for this study for the duration of the academic period for grading purposes. It is anticipated that the end of the academic period will be June 2025.
Ethical Approval
Ethical approval has been obtained by the Dublin Business School board of ethics and is in line with the PSI guidelines for human research.
Contact Info
Student researcher: Ciara Richardson, 10598635@mydbs.ie
Supervisor: Dr. Joseph Lavelle, joseph.lavelle@dbs.ie
