Associations between negative emotions and eating behaviors in older adults: a network analysis and the mediating role of physical activity.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Negative emotions are a growing public health concern among older adults, influencing both psychological well-being and daily behaviors. This study aimed to examine how negative emotions relate to eating behaviors in older adults and to test the mediating role of physical activity.

Methods

Data were collected from 1,062 older adults in China through validated self-report measures. A network analysis was conducted to identify central nodes and bridging indicators between negative emotions and eating behaviors, and a mediation analysis was applied to evaluate the indirect role of physical activity.

Results

At the domain level, depression and stress emerged as the most central symptoms, while eating behavior showed the strongest bridging effect. At the item lev

SUBMITTER: Yue X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12643853 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature