The Impact of a Low-Quality Diet on Emotional Regulation

Authors: Carly Elfenbein, Christos Kovoros, Evelyn Tucker, Joaquim Ross

Field of Study: Integrative Neuroscience

Program Affiliation: Health and Wellness Studies

Faculty Mentors: Lina Begdache

Easel: 103

Timeslot: Morning

Abstract: Stress is a prevalent issue within the United States. This study examines whether a relationship exists between dietary patterns and mental health by analyzing whether dietary aspects correlate with emotional regulation, depression, or stress. Data was collected from participants 18 and older through an anonymous online Google Forms survey. The results were analyzed using Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient in SPSS Version 28.0. Significant correlations were found between eating sweets and having difficulty making sense of feelings (p=0.005), eating low-protein food and feeling depressed (p=0.034), and eating high-fat/processed meats and hopelessness (p=0.007). These findings suggest that a diet high in processed and fatty foods or low in protein may contribute to increased mental stress and decreased emotional regulation.