INFLUENCE OF COLLEGE ADJUSTMENT ON EMOTIONAL EATING AND PERCEIVED STRESS AMONG STUDENTS

The study examines the influence of college adjustment on emotional eating and perceived stress among students. Using a correlational research design, data were collected from 200 college students using valid measurement instruments:the Emotional Eater Questionnaire (EEQ),the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS),and the College Adjustment Test (CAT). Statistical analyses used were Pearson's correlational analysis and linear regression analysis. A moderate negative correlation was established between college adjustment and emotional eating,which shows that students with more difficulty in adjusting to college life practice more emotional eating. A high negative correlation was also established between college adjustment and perceived stress, which shows that poor adjustment correlates with high stress. A moderate positive correlation was also established between perceived stress and emotional eating, showing that high perceived stress correlates with more emotional eating behavior. Regression analysis showed that college adjustment is a good predictor of emotional eating and perceived stress. The findings highlighted the necessity of implementing university wellness programs that incorporate stress-reduction strategies, resilience-building seminars, and nutrition education to enhance college adjustment and reduce stress in turn lowering emotional eating. Further studies should consider the influence of other factors like peer connections, mentoring initiatives, and institutional support frameworks in aiding college adjustment and diminishing stress-related maladaptive actions. Also, Future studies must probe the causal mechanisms through longitudinal studies and sample generalizability to diverse populations.