Exploring the Wellbeing and Food Security of Ethical Vegans through the Human and More-than-Human World

Abstract

Background: Health and environmental data reveal significant challenges faced by populations around the word in relationship to food. Complex choices and constraints shape people’s dietary patterns. While there is often debate about which eating patterns people should follow, for vegans ethical motivations are paramount. Vegan diets can be healthy diets, but there remains a gap in the literature surrounding veganism and overall wellbeing, including food security and connection to nature. Objectives: Taking into consideration both human and more-than-human factors this research explored how vegans live their lives embedded within the complex circumstances that shape their wellbeing. This exploration was informed by the application of a holistic model of health (the Revised Mandala of Health) and the use of an ecofeminist lens. Through a series of three studies and one methodological reflection, this research addressed the following objectives: (1) To investigate how ethical veganism influences a person’s experience and conceptualization of food security; (2) To explore the success and challenges faced by ethical vegans, how they may resist these challenges, and the implications for wellbeing; and (3) To explore ethical vegans’ experiences with the more-than-human world, and the implications for their wellbeing and coping strategies. Methods: The first study (Chapter 2) used focus groups to learn about vegans’ experiences and ideas related to food security at the individual, household and community levels. Four focus groups were held, of which three were comprised of vegans who in the year prior had experienced food security, with the final focus group being reserved for vegans who had experienced food insecurity. The focus groups’ data were analysed using Tracy’s phronetic iterative analysis approach. The second study (Chapter 3) used semi-structured interviews to collect data on veganism and wellbeing from 26 participants. The data from these semi-structured interviews were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis (RTA). The third study (Chapter 4) had six participants who took part in both a 2-day, group, body-map storytelling (BMST) workshop and then a follow-up individual, semi-structured interview. Data collected over the course of the body-map storytelling workshop included each participant’s presentation of their body-map to the group, as well as a written ‘testimonio’, two end of day reflective exercises, and one focus group. All data from this third study were analysed together using RTA. Finally, a fourth component was generated for this dissertation (Chapter 5). This methodological reflection was written based on the lead researcher’s impressions of the BMST workshop and comments about this workshop that were shared by the participants during data collection for the third study. Results: The results of Study 1 indicated that responsibility was a prominent feeling experienced by the participants both in relationship to their veganism and their experiences of food (in)security. The participants believed they should be informed about the food system, know how to shop frugally, and have cooking skills. Feelings of personal responsibility for food security may have been amplified by the perception of the absence of a vegan-friendly social safety net. The participants noted vegan foods could be nutritious, convenient, and inexpensive but not generally all these things at once. Therefore, compromising on at least one feature of their food was often needed. Participants in both the food secure and food insecure groups explained how at times they experienced difficulty accessing vegan-friendly foods. The results of Study 2 demonstrated that veganism is regarded as a positive way of living that though challenging at times, especially early on in one’s experience and in relation to social relationships, was of overall net benefit to the vegan participants. This benefit contributed to enhanced wellbeing. The areas of wellbeing the participants identified most often as being influenced by veganism were the mental and emotional realms. The participants’ identities influenced their experiences of veganism. In navigating life as vegans the participants eschewed the belief in a ‘perfect’ veganism, which may have contributed to the longevity of their veganism. The results of Study 3 showed the participants were ecologically embedded. Being ecologically embedded meant that when the participants perceived harm to the more-than-human world they subsequently felt a negative effect on their own wellbeing, including as solastalgia. However, being ecologically embedded also meant that participants experienced enhanced wellbeing through their connection to the more-than-human world. In the methodological reflection, the researchers argue that while BMST requires significant participant involvement it can be a rewarding approach for both participants and researchers, and a safe method of data collection if careful attention is paid to the social location of potential participants and the sensitivity of the research topic. The researchers found different data collection approaches were more and less effective during the BMST workshop and they offer practical considerations for the design and undertaking of future BMST workshops. Conclusions: Through the completion of three studies and one methodological reflection this research found that veganism was a positive force that enhanced wellbeing in the lives of the participants. As veganism is outside of the norm in Western cultures, being vegan did lead to challenges for the participants, but the challenges were not with veganism itself, rather the challenges lay in the social ramifications and accessibility of foods suitable for vegans. Participants felt the benefits of veganism outweighed the challenges. Considering the results via their alignment with the Revised Mandala of Health suggests that veganism can have health promoting properties for vegans and the more-than-human world. As plant-based diets are increasingly considered a way to address issues of health and sustainability, this study adds important understandings about the personal value and maintenance of veganism.