Stress and Mindful Eating

Rhianna Philcox & Katelyn Friar

This research project was conducted to determine the prevalence of stress eating among the Lander student population and to promote and educate about the benefits of mindful eating. During the Fall 2023 semester, there was an initial survey given to determine baseline data about stress and mindful eating. Sixty-five people responded to this survey. From this data, a focus group was created to gain more in depth knowledge about why Lander students are stress eating and to provide a more personalized education about mindful eating. As a result of this survey and focus group, there were themes that were identified as to some of the causes of stress and ways to improve Lander’s on campus dining to help students have more nutritious options.

• Rhianna Philcox is a sophomore public health & Spanish major and is from Greenwood, SC. Her achievements include being on the President’s List for all semesters as an undergraduate student here at Lander University. She currently serves as the vice president for the Lander University Public Health Association.

• Katelyn Friar is from Honea Path, SC. She is a senior with a dual major in public health and nursing. She will graduate with her bachelor’s degree in public health in May of 2024 then she will complete her bachelor’s degree in nursing with a minor in health care management by May of 2025. She has been on the Dean’s List and is currently being nominated for the Blue Key National Honor Society.