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Gender Differences in Emotional Regulation, Eating Patterns, and Physical Activity among University Students: Implications for Targeted Health Interventions

nutrition
psychiatry-and-psychology
public-health
mental-health
sports-medicine

Abstract

This study investigated gender differences in emotional regulation, eating behaviors, and physical activity among university students to inform targeted health interventions. A total of 99 students (55 males and 44 females) from Politehnica University of Bucharest participated. Data were collected using the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS-36), the Adult Eating Behavior Questionnaire (AEBQ-35), and self-reported anthropometric and physical activity information. Statistical analyses, including descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, independent t-tests, and reliability assessments (Cronbach’s Alpha), were performed using SPSS 23.0. Results revealed significant gender differences in eating behavior and physical activity. Females scored higher in Food Avoidance (M = 24.31, SD = 10.41) and Emotional Eating (M = 35.63, SD = 12.87) than males (M = 20.18, SD = 7.97; M = 25.65, SD = 10.99), indicating greater tendencies toward restrained and emotion-driven eating. Conversely, 69.6% of males engaged in regular exercise compared with 31.8% of females (χ²(1) = 11.792, p < 0.05), although step monitoring was more frequent among females (84.1% vs. 76.7%, χ²(1) = 0.450, p > 0.05). These findings underscore distinct gender patterns, with females showing higher emotional and restrained eating behaviors and males demonstrating greater engagement in structured physical activity. Tailored interventions promoting emotional regulation, healthy eating, and balanced physical activity are essential to support students’ overall well-being.
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