Perceived stress as a mediator of the relationship between fruit and vegetable consumption and emotional well-being

Abstract

Background A healthy diet rich in fruit and vegetables has been linked to higher well-being and reducing stress. Stress negatively affects well-being. There has been no research done exploring a mediation effect of perceived stress (PS) on the association between fruit and vegetable consumption (FVC) and emotional well-being (EWB). This has great importance for public health and is therefore the aim of this study. Methods 2359 first year university students (73.2% females, Slovakia - 32.7%, Lithuania - 37.2%, Hungary - 30.1%) completed the Perceived Stress Scale, WHO-5 Well-being Index and reported the frequency of FVC online as a part of the SliCE study (APVV-0253-11, VEGA 1/1092/12). Higher scores expressed higher level of variables. Gender differences were tested using Mann-Whitney U tests. A series of linear regressions for both sexes were done controlling for country and a Sobel test was used to statistically investigate the effect of the proposed mediator. Results The U tests revealed significant gender differences in FVC, PS and EWB (FVC: p < .001; PS: p < .05; EWB: p < .05). Model 1 of linear regression: frequency of FVC was inversely related to PS (females: β = -.12, p < .001; males: β = -.15, p < .001). Model 2 of linear regression: EWB was positively associated with the frequency of FVC (females: β = .11, p < .001; males: β = .17, p < .001) and inversely with PS (females: β = -.52, p < .001; males: β = -.53, p < .05). The Sobel test indicated that PS (females: z = 5.63, p < .001; males: z = 3.65, p<.001) was a significant mediator of the relationship between FVC and EWB. Conclusions The results revealed an indirect effect of FVC on EWB through PS controlling for country for both sexes separately. The positive association between FVC and EWB was weakened at increasing levels of PS. In order to prevent low well-being, students should focus on a healthy diet and stress coping strategies. Unive...[...].