Honors Theses
Advisor
Rebecca Gonter-Dray, Ed.D., RDN, LD
Department
Health and Sport Science
Publication Date
4-22-2026
Document Type
Honors Thesis
Abstract
This research explored the relationship between study abroad experiences within the Mediterranean region and their impact on dietary and functional movement habits. College students are at a critical juncture for establishing lifelong health behaviors. Understanding the influence of cultural immersion on food and movement choices can provide valuable insights into strategies to promote healthier lifestyles among college students. The Mediterranean diet (MD) is characterized by high consumption of fruits, vegetables, olive oil, beans/lentils, and fish, and low consumption of red meat and processed foods, along with increased functional movement from walking and biking. This lifestyle has been correlated with lower risks of cardiovascular disease and overall mortality. Guided by the Theory of Transformative Learning, this research examined changes in the dietary and functional movement habits of University of Dayton undergraduate students after returning from a summer study abroad immersion program in the Mediterranean region. It sought to determine if lasting dietary and functional movement changes occurred. Data were collected using the 14-MEDAS survey, which assessed adherence to the MD before and after the study abroad immersion programs in Italy and Spain. Further analysis of responses for a subset of students was explored through qualitative Zoom Interviews. This research demonstrated that although no statistically significant changes were observed in adherence to the Mediterranean diet, cultural immersion successfully fostered a meaningful desire for change toward adopting the Mediterranean diet and improving functional movement behaviors.
Permission Statement
This item is protected by copyright law (Title 17, U.S. Code) and may only be used for noncommercial, educational, and scholarly purposes.
Keywords
Undergraduate research
eCommons Citation
Heublein, Katherine, "Relationship Between Undergraduate Students Study Abroad Experiences in the Mediterranean Region and Changes to Dietary and Functional Movement Habits" (2026). Honors Theses. 509.
https://ecommons.udayton.edu/uhp_theses/509
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