The Link Between Diet Quality, Eating Behaviors, and Emotional Intelligence Among White and Minority Groups

Diet quality and eating behaviors are critical factors in overall health, with emotional intelligence (EI) playing a pivotal role in shaping these patterns. Existing literature has linked poor diet quality to negative outcomes such as increased stress, decreased resilience, and lower academic performance and motivation. However, the impact of diet on emotional intelligence, particularly in the context of cultural and racial differences, remains underexplored. Much of the current research has focused on White populations, leaving a gap in understanding how these relationships manifest among minority groups. Addressing this gap is essential for advancing knowledge of how diet, eating behaviors, and emotional intelligence intersect among individuals from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. Cultural and socioeconomic factors, as well as access to nutritious food, often vary across racial and ethnic groups, potentially influencing both diet quality and emotional intelligence. This study aims to analyze the impact of diet quality and eating behaviors on emotional intelligence between white and minority populations. An anonymous survey was administered via social media and other platforms. A total of 1,386 individuals completed the survey, which included demographic questions and four validated scales, including the Eating Questionnaire, the Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire, and the Food Mood Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient in IBM SPSS Version 28.0. The minority group that consumed more dark leafy greens had fewer issues with motivation (p<0.01) and were less likely to back down when confident (p<0.01), while the white population showed a negative correlation between dark leafy greens and difficulties bonding with others (p<0.05). Both groups consuming fast food had lower interpersonal skills (p<0.01) and self-esteem (p<0.05 for minorities, p<0.01 for whites). The white population also showed more difficulties in emotion regulation (p<0.01) and finding life enjoyable (p<0.01). Minority participants who ate fruits were less likely to feel guilty about eating (p<0.05) or let weight influence self-judgment (p<0.05), while whites were less likely to desire a flat stomach (p<0.01). The results suggest stronger correlations between high-quality diets and higher emotional intelligence (EI) in minorities, while low-quality diets correlated with lower EI in whites. Minority participants also demonstrated healthier eating behaviors overall. The relationship between diet quality, race, and emotional intelligence (EI) varies between minority and White populations. While both groups consume similar diets, the outcomes differ, possibly due to cultural dietary norms and upbringing. For example, some cultures prioritize more nutrient-dense foods compared to the Western diet, which is more common among White populations. These cultural differences in food choices can influence eating behaviors and emotional responses. Understanding these cultural factors is crucial for developing effective health interventions tailored to diverse populations. This abstract was presented at the American Physiology Summit 2025 and is only available in HTML format. There is no downloadable file or PDF version. The Physiology editorial board was not involved in the peer review process.