Vegetarianism, dietary restraint and feminist identity.
OBJECTIVE
Research examining the relationship between dietary restraint and vegetarianism has yielded inconsistent results due to differing definitions of vegetarianism and the possible modifying role of feminist identity. The current study sought to further clarify these relationships by examining three levels of vegetarianism, motivation for vegetarianism, and feminist identity (using an updated measure).


METHODS
Participants were 90 female undergraduate students and community members (mean age=24.34 years). Dietary restraint was measured using the TFEQ; feminism was assessed using the LFAIS.


RESULTS
Weight-motivated semi-vegetarians reported higher levels of dietary restraint than those not motivated by weight. This effect did not appear among full-vegetarians. Lowest levels of dietary restraint were found among full-vegetarians with no difference between non- and semi-vegetarians. Contrary to previous research, feminist identity did not moderate the relationship between dietary restraint and vegetarianism.


CONCLUSIONS
Limitations resulting from a scale with a narrow definition of feminism and the use of multiple sources of recruitment are discussed. Directions for future research are highlighted.
Curtis
Morgan J
MJ
University of Northern Colorado, Department of Psychology, McKee Hall 14, Campus Box 94, Greeley, CO 80639, USA.
Comer
Lisa K
LK
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D014676:Diet, Vegetarian; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D019513:Feminism; D005518:Food Preferences; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D011582:Psychological Theory; D012649:Self Concept; D012933:Social Identification; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires