Eating together more but feeling worse: Discrepancies between observed and reported well-being of Latino(a/x) students at a Hispanic-Serving Institution.

FOOD habits; WELL-being; SOCIAL support; HISPANIC Americans; SELF-evaluation; SATISFACTION; UNDERGRADUATES; SURVEYS; FOOD preferences; QUALITY of life; EMOTIONS; MEALS

Objective. Past research suggests that eating alone is associated with less social support and poorer physical health. The current study examines the comparative health and well-being of Hispanic/Latino(a/x) and non-Hispanic/Latino(a/x) students, with a focus on comparing self-reported well-being to the observed marker of social well-being that is eating alone. Participants. Undergraduate students from a college dining hall completed online surveys in exchange for a gift card. Methods. Participants completed measures of eating alone in the dining hall, food choices, social support, quality of life, and overall health. Results. Although, compared to their non-Hispanic/Latino(a/x) peers, Hispanic/Latino(a/x) students were much more likely to be eating with others, both groups reported similar levels of social support and life satisfaction. Furthermore, Hispanic/Latino(a/x) students reported poorer physical health and chose unhealthier meals. Conclusion. Although Hispanic/Latino(a/x) students appeared to be more socially connected than their peers, these connections did not translate to better well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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