Graduation Date
Fall 2024
Document Type
Thesis
Program
Master of Science degree with a major in Kinesiology, option Exercise Science
Committee Chair Name
Taylor Bloedon
Committee Chair Affiliation
HSU Faculty or Staff
Second Committee Member Affiliation
HSU Faculty or Staff
Third Committee Member Name
Maria Iturbide
Third Committee Member Affiliation
HSU Faculty or Staff
Fourth Committee Member Name
Jill Anderson
Fourth Committee Member Affiliation
HSU Faculty or Staff
Keywords
Ethnic identity, Athletic identity, Food choices
Subject Categories
Kinesiology
Abstract
This study examines the intersectionality of athletic and ethnic identities and their influence on food choices among college-aged active individuals. Using the Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure (MEIM), Athletic Identity Measurement Scale (AIMS), and Athlete Food Choice Questionnaire (AFCQ), this research explores how these identities impact nutritional attributes, usual eating practices, and performance-related food choices in a sample of 109 participants (58% female, mean age = 25.02 years) from diverse ethnic backgrounds. The hypothesis that a salient athletic identity combined with a salient ethnic identity would predict food choices prioritizing nutritional attributes was supported, suggesting that individuals with both identities salient may balance cultural foods with nutrient-dense options. However, while athletic identity alone did not significantly predict food choices based on nutritional quality, ethnic identity was negatively associated with prioritizing nutritional content, indicating that cultural values may take precedence over nutrition. The study found that when both identities were salient, participants were less likely to prioritize familiar eating practices, reflecting a potential conflict between cultural food traditions and athletic dietary demands. These results suggest that acculturation and generational status may influence how athletes navigate this tension, as well as the challenges posed by mainstream, Westernized nutrition guidelines. Future research should explore the role of acculturation in food choices and the dynamic interaction between athletic and ethnic identities, using more diverse samples and qualitative methods to gain deeper insights into how athletes manage their cultural and performance-related food choices.
Recommended Citation
Chavez, Tally, "Fueling identities: A study of ethnic and athletic identities on dietary choices" (2024). Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects. 789.
https://digitalcommons.humboldt.edu/etd/789