Psychological Factors Associated With Food Insecurity in First-Generation Undergraduate and Graduate Students

This observational study examined psychological variables associated with food insecurity in first-generation undergraduate and graduate students. Results showed that students with food insecurity came from lower childhood socioeconomic status, had greater instability at home growing up, had more difficulty planning ahead, and had a higher demand for food such as willingness to pay more for their favorite meals. Regression analysis showed childhood socioeconomic status, planning, demand for food, and the interaction of planning and demand for food were significantly related to food insecurity, accounting for 24.7% of the variance. Fostering a prospective mindset may protect this population from experiencing food insecurity.