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Association between dietary habits and emotional and behavioral problems in children: the mediating role of self-concept.
Research on how nutrition affects mental health and general well-being is becoming increasingly popular. This study by Zhao et al. (2025) investigated whether self-concept mediates the correlation between pre-adolescent children’s emotional and behavioral problems (EBPs) and their eating habits. Third-grade students and their caregivers were recruited for a cross-sectional research utilizing stratified random sampling. Children completed self-administered questionnaires to assess their dietary habits and self-concept, while caregivers provided information on their children’s EBPs. Among 1,126 child-caregiver pairs (average child age: 9.53 years, 52.8% boys), only 37.4% and 54.2% met the recommended intake of milk/soy milk and fruit, respectively. A higher self-concept was linked to regular consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables, whereas frequent intake of sweet foods and street foods was associated with lower self-concept. Unhealthy consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages increased the risk of EBPs. Furthermore, self-concept mediated 29% of the total effect between healthy dietary habits and EBPs. These results emphasize the necessity of enhancing pre-adolescent children’s eating habits. Specific food choices, such as consuming more fresh fruits and limiting sugary beverages, were significantly linked to better mental health outcomes. Moreover, enhanced self-concept played a mediating role in reducing emotional and behavioral problems (EBPs). This research supports the development of dietary interventions in families, schools, and healthcare settings, contributing to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals on zero hunger and good health and well-being. [NPID: Emotional problems, behavioral problems, self-concept, dietary habits, diet]
Year: 2024
