Does Ecological Anxiety Undermine Healthy and Balanced Nutrition While Boosting Sustainable Consumption in Young Adults? A Cross-Sectional Study of University Students

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, Sustainable and Healthy Eating Behaviors Scale, and Sustainable Consumption Behaviors Scale. Results: Ecological anxiety is negatively associated 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)] which is a component of sustainable and healthy eating behaviours. Ecological anxiety is positively associated 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)] which are components of sustainable consumption behaviours. Conclusions: Increased ecological anxiety negatively affects healthy and balanced nutrition behavior, while encouraging sustainable consumption behaviors such as environmental awareness and reusability.