Research Project Detail
Social interaction among tablemates at mealtime: an exploratory study
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Dr. Heather Keller, University of Guelph
RESEARCH PROGRAM ASSOCIATION: Agri-food for Healthy Aging (A-HA) Initiative
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
The research team is interested in identifying social interaction and the things that positively and negatively influence this interaction at mealtimes for residents of retirement homes. Prior to this study, no research on the psychosocial aspects of meals had been conducted in this type of facility. Participant observation was used to identify what types of social interaction occurred and those things that influenced, either positively or negatively, social interaction among tablemates.
PRACTICAL IMPLICATION
It is believed that psychosocial aspects of the mealtime environment influence eating behaviour and quality of life. In long-term care facilities where commensal eating is the norm, changes in the eating environment can have a large impact on nutritional status and quality of life. To date, although the importance of the eating environment is acknowledged, very little research has been conducted to understand what this environment is, how it is influenced and how it can potentially be managed to improve the lives of residents, family and staff. This exploratory study is the first in a series of studies that will be conducted to understand the psychosocial environment at mealtime in long-term care facilities. Educational initiatives that can be used to change these environments will be an outcome of this research.
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