Noah Opalsky

Date of Award

2022

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelors

Department

Social Sciences

First Advisor

Graham, Steven

Keywords

commensality, psychological well-being, social capital, group cohesion

Area of Concentration

Psychology and Sociology

Abstract

Commensality or the act of eating with others has evolved broadly to better encapsulate the act of eating as a distinctly social phenomenon. Commensality can take on many forms and people can gather around a table for many reasons, but there is always a distinct aspect of spending time with others as a way to form, maintain, and strengthen the bonds between them and as a way to enjoy time with others increasing one’s happiness, gratitude, and overall well-being. Thus, a mixed methods study consisting of a survey and semi-structured interviews was conducted in order to better understand the ways that commensality relates to psychological well-being, social capital, and group cohesion in an oft unused research setting - a college cafeteria. Quantitative findings from the survey suggest that there is a positive relationship between social capital and commensality, social capital and group cohesion as it relates to commensality, and social capital and aspects of psychological well-being. Qualitative findings from the interviews suggest that students very much enjoy eating with others; it makes them feel more engaged, happy, and can lead to healthier food choices. The cafeteria in some cases also offers an interesting setting that allows them to meet people they would not have otherwise. Further, the specific ambience of the cafeteria space can help or hinder their ability to use the space to its full potential as a public space for them to hang out with friends, get work done, and eat in.

Download

Share

COinS