The Relationship Between Eating Behaviors and Mood States among University Students: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

Abstract

Objectives: Considering the potential interplay between psychological conditions and eating behaviors, this study aimed to investigate the associations between levels of depression, anxiety, and stress and hedonic hunger, food craving, and picky eating among university students. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted with 382 university students (296 women and 86 men) recruited via convenience sampling method. Participants completed a questionnaire that included sociodemographic questions as well as the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21), Food Craving Questionnaire (FCQ), the Power of Food Scale (PFS), and Adult Picky Eating Questionnaire (APEQ). Participants’ body weight and height were self-reported. Data were analyzed using SPSS 23.0; statistical evaluations included Mann-Whitney U, chi-square, and Spearman correlation tests, alongside multivariable multinomial logistic regression models adjusted for age, gender, and body mass index (BMI). Results: Significant differences were observed between female and male participants in terms of depression subscale of DASS-21 and physiological craving and cognitive preoccupation subscales of FCQ (p<0.05). Positive correlations were identified between DASS-21 subscales and total and some subscales scores of FCQ, PFS, and APEQ (r =0.158-0.308; p<0.05). Compared to the moderate depression, multinomial logistic regression analysis indicated that extremely severe depression was significantly associated with higher total and subscale scores of FCQ, PFS, and APEQ (OR=1.020-1.794; 95% CI: 1.014-2.020; p < 0.05). Similarly, extremely severe anxiety linked to specific FCQ subscales and APEQ food variety compared to the normal stress (OR = 1.110-1.341; 95% CI: 1.048-1.638; p < 0.05). However, no significant association was found between mild or moderate stress and FCQ, PFS, or APEQ subscales (p>0.05). Conclusion: The associations identified between psychological mood status and eating behaviors suggest that mental health-focused interventions and tailored screening could potentially help promote healthier eating patterns among young adults. Further longitudinal studies are warranted to confirm these relationships.

Keywords

• eating behaviors
• depression
• anxiety
• stress

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