Honors Theses
Date of Award
Spring 5-13-2025
Document Type
Undergraduate Thesis
Department
Nutrition and Hospitality Management
First Advisor
Melinda Valliant
Second Advisor
Ellen Ossorio
Third Advisor
Jennifer Parsons
Relational Format
Dissertation/Thesis
Abstract
Dietary patterns in Western societies have shifted over the past century due to the rise of food manufacturing and technological advancements. Ultra-processed foods now account for approximately half of the daily energy intake in high-income countries. Similarly, the national mental health crisis emerged in the 21st century and worsened after the COVID-19 pandemic. The changes in diet have impacted the gut microbiome, which interacts with the brain through the bidirectional gut-brain axis. Research suggests the concept of the gut-brain axis is a principal indicator of diet’s impact on mental health. However, this area of research is still emerging and requires further investigation and expansion.
This study explored possible correlations between individuals’ diet and mental health at a public university. A total of 115 participants completed an anonymous survey regarding dietary habits, lifestyle factors, and mental health. While trends were observed, the results did not reveal significant findings across the variables studied. The results indicated that further research with a larger and more diverse sample size may be necessary to observe potential links.
Recommended Citation
Layne, Emory, "Exploring the Relationship Between Diet and Mental Health" (2025). Honors Theses. 3339.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/hon_thesis/3339
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