Stress and Dysfunctional Eating Behavior During COVID-19 Pandemic: A Gender Perspective

The implications of Covid 19 pandemic on generic well-being and physical, psychological well-being in specific emerge as a global concern. The current research provides an overview of the relationship between stress and dysfunctional eating behavior during the challenging time of the COVID- 19 pandemic. The present paper also aims to highlight the gender-specific differences in perception of stress and its correlation with dysfunctional eating behavior in the COVID-19 pandemic. Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS) and Adult Eating Behavior Questionnaire (AEBQ) were used on a heterogeneous sample between 20-40 years. The research was conducted on 50 participants, 25 males, and 25 females. Quantitative analysis was done with SPSS 22.0. The results of the investigation revealed a significant difference in stress level, t(48)=2.01, p<0.01, with women (M=22.24, SD=5.23) having a higher stress level than men (M=19.04, SD=4.89). There was no significant difference in dysfunctional eating behavior between males and females. There was a significant positive correlation between stress and dysfunctional eating behavior in females whereas in males there was no significant positive correlation between stress and dysfunctional eating behavior. The research extrapolates that the pandemic led to elevated stress levels in both genders and gender differences existed and males & females responded differently on dysfunctional eating behavior. The research has also outlined intervention to help individuals cope with stress and dysfunctional eating behavior. The findings of the research propose execution of different intervention programs and psychological first aid to help individuals who are predisposed to develop eating disorders.