Heartfulness in Vegans, Vegetarians, and Omnivores

Antonia Voll (), Leonardo Jost and Petra Jansen ()
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Antonia Voll: Faculty of Human Sciences, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstraße 31, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
Leonardo Jost: Faculty of Human Sciences, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstraße 31, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
Petra Jansen: Faculty of Human Sciences, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstraße 31, 93053 Regensburg, Germany

IJERPH, 2023, vol. 20, issue 6, 1-13

Abstract: Background: The primary goal of this study was to investigate the relation between the choice of a vegan or vegetarian diet as a criterion of sustainability and the aspect of heartfulness. We also analyzed which demographic, diet-related, and mindfulness practice-related variables could predict the different facets of heartfulness. Methods: In total, 419 persons participated. After providing demographic, diet-related, and mindfulness practice-related information, participants completed a gratitude questionnaire, a self-compassion scale, a compassion scale, and an equanimity scale. Results: The results show that vegans and vegetarians indicated higher scores than omnivores in some aspects of heartfulness, such as both self-compassion scales. These effects could not be shown for the two equanimity scales and for the gratitude questionnaire. Most aspects of heartfulness could either be predicted by demographic or diet-related variables. The best predictors of the elements of heartfulness were the ecological, ethical, or health-related reasons for choosing their diet stated by the participants, as well as the importance the participants attached to nutrition. Conclusion: This study provides evidence that vegans and vegetarians scored higher in several aspects of heartfulness. Vegans tended to score even higher than vegetarians. Both demographic and diet-related variables could predict heartfulness.

Keywords: mindfulness; heartfulness; diet; compassion; sustainability (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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