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Food and Mood Study – Exploring the determinants of dietary behaviours that support wellbeing in young adults with symptoms of depression, anxiety, and/or stress in Aotearoa, New Zealand
The mental health landscape among young adults in Aotearoa New Zealand is concerning, with nearly 25% of individuals aged 15-24 experiencing significant psychological distress in 2023/24. This reality underscores the need for research into dietary influences on mental health, particularly within this demographic. The ‘Food and Mood’ Project seeks to elucidate the complex factors affecting dietary habits that contribute to mental well-being in young adults facing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress.
Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, the study employed a 48-item survey guided by the COM-B (capability, opportunity, motivation, and behavior) model and Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF). Participants were young adults aged 18-30, recruited from universities, community mental health organizations, social media, and through flyers, focusing on those reporting mild to moderate mental health symptoms as measured by the DASS-21.
Out of 131 respondents, the majority were female (84%) with an average age of 23.2 years. The racial composition included predominantly NZ European (76%), alongside smaller groups of Māori (14.2%), Chinese (6.3%), Indian (4.7%), and Samoan (2%). Notably, 92% of participants recognized the importance of a diet promoting well-being, and 70% acknowledged the value of reducing processed food intake. The thematic analysis revealed a significant trend around the concept of ‘nourishment,’ with participants linking nutritious food choices to improved physical, mental, and social health.
While 71% expressed a readiness to modify their diet for better mental health, 48% reported lacking the necessary skills and resources for such changes. Additionally, 90% shared that their mood significantly impacted their eating habits, with 48% feeling it was particularly difficult to maintain healthy eating patterns during episodes of poor mental health. This aligns with the qualitative theme of ‘emotional barriers,’ indicating that negative feelings, such as stress and depression, obstruct efforts to adopt healthier behaviors.
In summary, the findings indicate that enhanced psychological capability can empower young adults to pursue better dietary choices. However, mental health challenges appear to hinder automatic motivation for healthy eating, emphasizing the need for nutritional interventions to target and resolve emotional barriers. [NPID: Psychological distress, eating behavior, survey, eating habits, mood, mental health]
Year: 2026
