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Impact of ultra-processed food consumption on social skills and antisocial behavior in Chinese adolescents
Understanding the effect of dietary habits on psychosocial development is crucial, particularly among adolescents. This research explores how the intake of ultra-processed foods (UPF) correlates with social skills (SS) and antisocial behavior (ASB) in a cohort of Chinese adolescents, while also accounting for variables such as gender and status as an only child.
The longitudinal study involved 3,206 participants, comprising 1,510 males and 1,696 females, with a mean age of 13.62 years (±14.09 years). Initial data collection occurred in autumn 2021, followed by a second wave in autumn 2022 via follow-up surveys. The NOVA classification system facilitated the evaluation of UPF consumption, while the School Social Behavior Scale (SSBS) measured SS and ASB. To analyze these variables, fixed-effects models were employed to mitigate the influence of time-invariant confounding factors.
Findings indicated that specific UPF categories impacted outcomes differently. Notably, processed meat consumption was linked to enhanced SS across all demographics. Conversely, intake of instant noodles and Western fast food was correlated with declines in SS and increases in ASB. The consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages showed a significant association with heightened ASB among girls and those not classified as only children, with no significant effects identified in boys or only children. Additionally, snacks and desserts were positively correlated with SS in boys and only children, but negatively in girls. Fried food consumption was specifically tied to increased ASB in only children.
The study concludes that UPF consumption is markedly related to deficits in SS and escalated ASB among Chinese adolescents. The nuanced effects of UPF types, along with variations linked to gender and family structure, underscore the need to incorporate these factors into dietary interventions to foster better psychosocial outcomes. [NPID: ultra-processed food, UPF, adolescents, social skills, antisocial behavior, NOVA classification, SSBS, longitudinal study, China, dietary intake]
Year: 2026
