An investigation of the association between lifestyle habits and the mental well-being : a quantitative study

Abstract

Well-being is a concept in which a person is able to realise his/her potential, (World Health Organisation, 2014). The concept includes physical, mental, and social well-being. It is well documented that different lifestyle habits have different effects on people's mental well-being, some lifestyle habits are more beneficial than others (Fox, Stathi, Mckenna, & Davis, 2007; Granz, & Sher, 2009; Watson et al., 2015). This study investigated the association between lifestyle habits and mental well-being among university students in Malta. Participants included people of all age, both genders, and of any nationality, currently enrolled at the University of Malta. The study was carried out using quantitative research methods, and data was collected by means of a questionnaire which included demographic questions, questions about lifestyle habits, as well as the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale, (WEMWBS). The results indicated that an association does indeed exist between certain lifestyle habits such as exercise, and alcohol consumption, and mental well-being.