Beyond sleep, diet, exercise: Broader factors linked to teen well-being
Supporting young people's mental health may require a broader focus than the traditional "big three" healthy habits of sleep, nutrition and physical activity, according to new University of the Sunshine Coast research.
A new study from the University of the Sunshine Coast suggests that supporting young people's mental health may require looking beyond the traditional "big three" healthy habits of sleep, nutrition, and physical activity. The research, led by UniSC's Thompson Institute, found that adolescents with more protective lifestyle factors, including social connectedness and mindfulness, were more likely to report positive well-being and lower psychological distress over time.
The study, published in the Journal of Adolescence, followed adolescents aged 12-17 for up to five years, examining how various lifestyle behaviors and psychosocial factors affected future well-being. Lead author Dr. Taliah Prince emphasized that while sleep, diet, and exercise are important, a more comprehensive approach is needed. She noted that factors like social connectedness and mindfulness also play a crucial role.
The findings, based on data from the Longitudinal Adolescent Brain Study (LABS), indicate that healthy behaviors and psychosocial strengths often cluster together. Adolescents who were protected in one area, such as having strong social connections, tended to be protected in other areas as well. Co-lead author and youth mental health researcher Dr. Hermens highlighted that adolescence is a critical period for brain development and mental health, making it essential to understand the factors associated with positive well-being to inform mental health promotion and prevention strategies.
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