Do intestino às emoções

: estudo exploratório sobre a relação entre o consumo de probióticos e a regulação emocional durante a pandemia do covid-19

Abstract

The general objective of this study was to assess the relationship between the pattern of probiotic consumption and self-assessment of emotional regulation during the COVID-19 pandemic, more specifically, it sought to assess (1) the perception of the pandemic’s effect on the emotional regulation of individuals; (2) compare the consumption of probiotics before and during the first period of lockdown (March 2020); and (3) the individuals' perception of the effects of taking probiotics in their health. This exploratory descriptive and correlational study was conducted using an online self-administered questionnaire with a sample of 251 participants. The results proved a positive relationship between the impact of the pandemic and the emotional regulation ability of the participants, as well as a significant increase in probiotic consumption during lockdown. As will be discussed, the impact of the pandemic is uneven between females and males. In addition to changes in the frequency of probiotic consumption compared to the period prior to lockdown, changes in the reasons for consumption were also identified. Finally, the data shows a positive relationship between consumption of probiotic products and emotional regulation ability. Finally, some limitations of the study and suggestions for future research are considered.

Date of Award	15 Jul 2021
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Patrícia Oliveira-Silva (Supervisor)