Psychological predictors of sustainable and healthy eating behaviors among university students in southeastern Türkiye: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Aim This study aims to examine the relationship between sustainable and healthy eating behaviors in university students and their mindful eating, body image, self-esteem, and physical activity, and to determine the psychological and behavioral predictors of these behaviors. Subject and methods This cross-sectional and descriptive study was conducted at Mardin Artuklu University in southeastern Türkiye with 1055 university students. Data were collected using the Sustainable and Healthy Eating Behavior Scale, the Mindful Eating Scale, the Body Image Scale, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Statistical analyses included correlation, multiple linear regression, mediation, and moderation analyses. Results Sustainable and healthy eating behaviors showed positive correlations with mindful eating ( r = 0.285; p < 0.001) and physical activity level ( r = 0.074; p = 0.012), and negative correlations with body image ( r = −0.344; p < 0.001) and low self-esteem ( r = −0.131; p < 0.001). In the multiple regression analysis, mindful eating ( B = 6.958; p < 0.001) was identified as the strongest positive predictor, while negative body image ( B = −0.496; p < 0.001) was one of the strongest negative predictors. Mediation analyses revealed that the relationship between self-esteem and sustainable and healthy eating behaviors was indirectly mediated by mindful eating ( β = −1.686; p < 0.001) and body image ( β = −3.174; p < 0.001). Conclusion The findings reveal that sustainable and healthy eating behaviors in university students are closely related not only to demographic and lifestyle factors but also to psychological processes such as mindful eating, body image, and self-esteem