2021 Volume 19 Issue 2 Pages 45-56
This study aimed to clarify the correlation between snacking behavior and psychological stress in female university students and thereby contribute to health support measures. A questionnaire survey was conducted to examine household living arrangements, snacking behavior (consumption of confectionery and snacks), and psychological stress stemming from interpersonal relationships or the demands of study, etc. of students from four universities in Japan. The survey was conducted yearly for 3 years (following multiple sections of the population from the first to third year), and 81 female students were valid respondents. Interpersonal stress scores were positively and significantly correlated with several items of snack frequency scores by time of day and snack frequency scores by situation (i.e., snacking alone, with friends, before/after classes or other events, and instead of a meal). In their first year, the students with high interpersonal stress showed a high total frequency of snacking in the morning, in the afternoon, or at night or snacking alone, which was more common among students living alone. In their second year, the students with high interpersonal stress showed a higher frequency of snacking alone. In their third year, the students living alone and with high interpersonal stress showed a high total frequency of snacking in the morning, in the afternoon, or at night; before or after classes or other events; and instead of a meal. It was found that the higher the degree of personal stress among female university students, the higher the frequency of their ingestion of confectionery and snacks.
