“A Bit of a Grey Area”: A Qualitative Study of Perceptions and Knowledge of the Relationship between Food and Mental Health

Abstract

Literature indicates a bidirectional relationship between food and mental health. The bidirectional interactions between the mind, the brain and the gut, are associated with the pathogenesis of physical and mental health disorders. Some gastrointestinal disorders involve dysfunction of these interactions and highlight the importance of psychological interventions. Research on perceptions of food and mental health, however, is scarce. Recognition of this connection between food and mental health is vital so that dietary interventions and psychological interventions are deemed appropriate for managing health. The current qualitative study aimed to examine the perceptions of the relationship between food and mental health. Laypeople (N= 21) participated in focus groups and interviews involving open-ended and semi-structured questions. Two overarching themes were generated through thematic analysis: ‘We only know what we know’ and ‘Gaps in knowledge about the relationship between food and mental health’. Limited awareness of a connection between food and mental health was found. These perceptions and gaps in knowledge contributed to disordered eating and consumption of foods with a limited evidence-base of improving gut health. Improving awareness of this connection is critical, so that dietary interventions are perceived to be appropriate and necessary for enhancing mental health, and psychological interventions are deemed suitable for managing gastrointestinal symptoms. Public education on these associations is required to guide appropriate use of such interventions. Future research may examine health professionals’ perceptions and knowledge of the bidirectional interactions between the mind, brain and gut, as health professionals were believed to have limited awareness of this link.