Perceived Stress and Eating Habits: A Psychology Research Study on Young Adults

The present study investigates the association between perceived stress and eating habits among young adults in urban and peri-urban contexts. A total of 170 participants aged 18–29 years were randomly selected and assessed through a cross-sectional empirical design. Data collection was conducted via both in-person and online interviews, utilizing the standardized Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) alongside a structured dietary behavior questionnaire. Findings revealed that the average PSS score was 22.94, with the majority of participants falling into the moderate (n=78) and high (n=66) stress bands. Dietary analysis indicated irregular meal patterns, with breakfast consumed on average 3.85 days per week and late-night eating occurring 3.17 days weekly. Fruit and vegetable intake averaged 3.04 servings per day, below recommended guidelines, while fast food (2.48 meals per week) and sugary drinks (2.08 servings daily) were frequently consumed. Lifestyle variables further exacerbated stress–diet relationships, with participants averaging only 6.43 hours of sleep and reporting high daily screen exposure. Results suggest that elevated stress is closely linked to poorer dietary quality and unhealthy eating behaviors, reinforcing a cyclical interaction between psychological strain and lifestyle practices. The study underscores the necessity of integrated stress management and nutrition-based interventions for young adults navigating transitional life phases.