The latent profile structure of negative emotion in female college students and its impact on eating behavior: the mediating role of physical exercise

Female university students can be classified into three distinct emotional profiles ("Emotionally Stable," "Transition Risk," and "Anxious-Distress"), which are significantly associated with different levels of physical exercise and problematic eating behaviors. In addition, NE is not only directly associated with EB but also indirectly linked to it by reducing engagement in PE. This finding indicates that health interventions targeting female college students with high NE should, in addition to emotional management, actively promote the development of PE habits to effectively block the pathway from NE to unhealthy eating behaviors. The conclusions should be considered in light of the study's cross-sectional design and its reliance on a single-item measure for PE.