The relationship between nutrition and mental well-being in young adults

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between nutrition and mental well-being, while also investigating the influence of physical activity, social support, stress levels, breakfast intake, and meal patterns, in young adults, amongst the local context. A quantitative approach was taken, by distributing an online survey to participants, through social media portals, in which they responded voluntarily and anonymously. Participants amounted to 115, which included both genders, an age of 18 to 35 years old, reside in the Maltese Islands, along with different marital status, levels of education and employment status. The study observed that participants had a mental well-being score slightly above average, majority being physically under-active, low to medium quality diet (in reference to the “Mediterranean” dietary pattern), higher than average perceived social support and moderate levels of stress. After data analysis and testing, the study concluded that a weak positive correlation between nutrition and mental well-being was present, physically active participants had higher levels of mental well-being than their counterpart, and a moderate positive relationship between social support and mental well-being was present. Further research regarding nutrition and mental well-being, is recommended, as to promote the approach of dietary intervention for mental illness and as a maintenance of mental well-being.