The Relationship Between Early Warm and Secure Memories and Healthy Eating Among College Students: Anxiety as Mediator and Physical Activity as Moderator.

AIM

This study examines anxiety as a mediator between early warm and secure memories and healthy eating among college students, and the moderating role of physical activity in the early warm and secure memories-anxiety relationship.

METHODS

In December, 2024, 2,984 Chinese undergraduates (42% male, 58% female; mean age 19.03)completed surveys assessing early warm and secure memories, anxiety, healthy eating, and physical activity. SPSS 29.0 analyzed correlations, PROCESS Macro testedthe mediation model, and moderated mediation model.

RESULTS

Early warm and secure memories negatively correlated with anxiety ( = ‒0.359)and positively with physical activity ( = 0.098) and healthy eating ( = 0.245). Anxiety negatively correlated with physical activity ( = ‒0.089)and healthy eating ( = ‒0.209). Mediation analysis showed early warm and secure memories directly predicted healthy eating (β = 0.243,  < .001),with anxiety partially mediating this link (indirect effect β = ‒0.144,  < .001). Physical activity moderated the early warm and secure memories-anxiety pathway (interaction β = ‒0.044,  < .05), buffering anxiety's impact.

CONCLUSION

Early warm and secure memories promote healthy eating both directly and indirectly by reducing anxiety, with physical activity weakening the early warm and secure memories-anxiety association. Findings highlight the importance of fostering secure childhood memories for mental health and healthy eating. Interventions should leverage early warm and secure memories as a psychological resource and incorporate physical activity to enhance student well-being.