Author ORCID Identifier

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2331-8444

Date of Award

Spring 4-8-2026

Document Type

Thesis (Ph.D.)

Department or Program

Quantitative Biomedical Sciences

First Advisor

Jennifer A. Emond

Second Advisor

Diane Gilbert-Diamond

Abstract

Childhood obesity and poor mental well-being in college students remain significant public health challenges. This dissertation examined how the modifiable environmental factors may affect obesity-related appetitive traits, dietary intake, and well-being in children and college students. Chapter 2 presented cross-sectional analyses evaluating the associations between household chaos and appetitive traits in preschoolers (n=92) and preadolescents (n=69). Household chaos was associated with increased emotional overeating in both groups, and greater food responsiveness and lower satiety responsiveness in preadolescents. Chapter 3 examined the cross-sectional association between parenting styles and preschool-aged children’s added sugar intake, suggesting that more permissive parenting was related to higher added sugar consumption. Chapters 4 and 5 evaluated a novel 10-week college biology course integrating mindfulness practice (Mindful Physiology) to support student well-being. The pilot study (Chapter 4; n=36) demonstrated high acceptability of the class, where students reported improved trait mindfulness and physical and mental well-being. A subsequent randomized controlled trial (Chapter 5; class: n=24; control: n=44) found that the class was associated with significantly reduced physiological stress reactivity. Within class participants, improvements were observed in applied mindfulness, trait mindfulness, well-being, and social media addiction, with dose-response relationships indicating greater benefits with more practice engagement. These findings provide preliminary evidence that (1) household chaos and permissive parenting style may contribute to obesity through children’s appetitive traits and added sugar intake, and (2) integrating mindfulness into college curricula may enhance student stress regulation and well-being. Larger longitudinal and randomized controlled trials are needed to establish causality and inform future interventions promoting well-being in these populations.

Original Citation

Zhang Z, Lưu BCP and Gilbert-Diamond D (2024) Acceptability, engagement, and preliminary efficacy of a college human physiology course with integrated mindfulness practice to support student wellbeing. Front. Psychol. 15:1365778. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1365778

Download

Available for download on Tuesday, May 18, 2027

Share

COinS