Does ecological anxiety undermine healthy and balanced nutrition while boosting sustainable consumption in young adults? a cross-sectional study of university students

Tari Selcuk K., Güler B., Doğan N., ARSLAN S., Yilmaz H. Ö.

Nutrire, vol.51, no.1, 2026 (ESCI, Scopus) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 51 Issue: 1
  • Publication Date: 2026
  • Doi Number: 10.1186/s41110-026-00418-x
  • Journal Name: Nutrire
  • Journal Indexes: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), Scopus
  • Keywords: Eating behaviors, Ecological anxiety, Sustainable consumption, Sustainable nutrition
  • Bursa Uludag University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to examine the relationship between ecological anxiety levels and sustainable and healthy eating behaviors and sustainable consumption behaviors in young adults. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the data of 689 students studying at X University were evaluated. Data were collected using the Ecological Anxiety Scale, the Sustainable and Healthy Eating Behaviors Scale, and the Sustainable Consumption Behaviors Scale. Results: Ecological anxiety showed a negative relationship with Healthy and Balanced Nutrition [Model 1 (β:-0.086, p < 0.05), Model 2 (β:-0.079, p < 0.05), and Model 3 (β:-0.073, p < 0.05)]. Ecological anxiety showed a positive relationship with Environmental Awareness [Model 1 (β: 0.077, p < 0.05), Model 2 (β: 0.083, p < 0.05), and Model 3 (β: 0.088, p < 0.05)] and Reusability [Model 1 (β: 0.107, p < 0.05), Model 2 (β: 0.100, p < 0.05), and Model 3 (β: 0.100, p < 0.05)]. Conclusions: Overall, ecological anxiety was associated with lower levels of healthy and balanced nutrition, but with higher levels of sustainable consumption behaviors, particularly environmental awareness and reusability.