Graduation Year
2012
Document Type
Thesis
Degree
M.A.
Degree Granting Department
Anthropology
Major Professor
David A. Himmelgreen
Co-Major Professor
Daniel H. Lende
Keywords
Costa Rica, Food Insecurity, Globalization, Mental Well being, Monteverde, Stress
Abstract
The rapid expansion of ecotourism in the Monteverde zone of Costa Rica has increased the incidence in food insecurity in the area. Changes in food preferences and availability have led to a more homogenized diet that is increasingly delocalized and reliant on processed foods. Additionally, there has been a rapid economic shift away from agricultural and dairy farming to an economy more reliant on tourism. This NSF supported study builds upon data from a longitudinal investigation (#BNS 0753017) examining the nutritional effects of this rapid economic transition. Using a mixed methods approach, a culturally appropriate scale of stress was developed and used in conjunction with the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale, the Cohen Perceived Stress Scale, and the Hopkins Symptom Check List to explore the relationship between food insecurity and mental health among residents of the Monteverde zone. Quantitative results show that food insecurity correlated positively with stress, depression and anxiety, and was found to be a significant predictor of stress and depression
Scholar Commons Citation
Cowherd, Robert Eugene, "The Effects of Food Insecurity on Mental Wellbeing in Monteverde Costa Rica" (2012). USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/etd/4302
