Abstract
Adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) has previously been related to better quality of life in the general population. Further, children and adolescents have obtained better health outcomes when they have shown high adherence to the MD in recent studies. Nevertheless, the association between the adherence to this type of diet and subjective happiness have not been previously analysed in this population. The main aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between MD adherence, health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and subjective happiness in a sample of 527 Spanish adolescents. Results obtained show positive associations of MD adherence with higher levels of subjective happiness and better HRQOL. Moreover, mediation analyses showed a full mediation effect of some components of HRQOL, namely, emotional well-being, mood and emotions, financial resources and social acceptance, in the association between MD adherence and subjective happiness. This study advances our understanding of the association of MD and levels of happiness in the general population, specifically in adolescents, through the positive effects of specific components of HRQOL. Future studies should evaluate other variables that could influence or also mediate this relationship, evaluating specific groups of adolescents, such as clinical samples.
Highlights
Adolescence is a period of physical growth and rapid development characterised by significant changes in cognitive, psychological and emotional domains affecting the quality of life, well-being and health status of adolescents [1]
High Mediterranean diet (MD) adherence was related to high scores in subjective happiness and each health-related quality of life (HRQOL) dimension (p < 0.001, in all cases)
High adherence to the MD was associated with better HRQOL and more subjective happiness in adolescents
Summary
Adolescence is a period of physical growth and rapid development characterised by significant changes in cognitive, psychological and emotional domains affecting the quality of life, well-being and health status of adolescents [1]. Improving our understanding of eating habits and lifestyle patterns of adolescents may help us identify factors that promote good health and development during adolescence. Several epidemiological studies have already demonstrated beneficial effects of the Mediterranean diet pattern (MD) on health and psychological outcomes during adolescence [5]. This pattern is characterised by a high intake of seasonal fruit and vegetables, bread and cereals (mainly whole grain), legumes, nuts and olive oil; a moderate consumption of fish, eggs and dairy products, especially yogurt and cheeses; and an occasional consumption of meat and animal fats [6,7,8].
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