Abstract
Sense of belonging may positively impact student performance, especially in marginalized groups. This study aimed to examine sense of belonging among a diverse group of nutrition and dietetics students. An online survey investigated students’ feelings of belonging, isolation, and connection to the field of nutrition and dietetics and department of study. The survey was distributed through email to the nutrition and dietetics student body in the Department of Nutrition at Metropolitan State University of Denver. Quantitative data were analyzed as count and percentage. Overall sense of belonging scores were calculated as an average on a 5-point scale (1-strongly disagree to 5-strongly agree). Qualitative data was analyzed using a grounded theory approach. Respondents (n=44) were primarily female (86.0%, n=37), White (74.4%, n=32) or Hispanic (27.9%, n=12), 20-29 years of age (60.5%, n=26), and planned to become Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (83.7%, n=36). Most students felt they belong in the field (34.1%, n=15, agreed; 36.4%, n=16, strongly agreed) and in the Department of Nutrition (38.6%, n=17, agreed; 31.8%, n=14, strongly agreed). Qualitative data in the department community revealed positive perceptions of student connections. Qualitative analyses revealed several barriers to belonging including financial challenges, lack of connections, imposter syndrome, and the desire to see more diversity in the field. Sense of belonging contributes to student success. Nutrition and dietetics programs should aim to address barriers to belongingness, especially among marginalized students.
DOI
10.26890/xojl3046
Recommended Citation
Torro, Jessica; Masters, Melissa; Sinley, Rachel C.; Lunsford, Jesse; Masching, Heidi; and Chen Musgrove, Miranda
(2025)
"Sense of Belonging in the Profession and Program of Study Among Nutrition and Dietetics Students,"
Journal of Dietetic Education: Vol. 3:
Iss.
2, Article 3.
DOI: 10.26890/xojl3046
Available at:
https://ecommons.udayton.edu/jde/vol3/iss2/3