Measures of nutritional intake and attitudes associated with depression and achievement in college students

Some students college can have a difficult time dealing with new responsibilities and obligations. With increases in stress levels and below average nutritional intakes, undergraduate students may be confronted with problems with achievement and depression. This study explored the nutritional intakes and attitudes that were associated with depression and achievement in college students. In this current study, we surveyed 120 undergraduate students at the University of Texas at San Antonio. The participants filled out surveys that assessed sociodemographic status, nutritional intakes, achievement, and depression. Bivariate analyses were used to analyze the association among them. The results indicated that depressive symptoms were negatively correlated with perceived amount of fat consumed in one's diet (p < .05). There was also a positive correlation between depressive symptomology and performance-avoidance goals (p < .01). Performance approach goals were negatively correlated with perceived amount of fat consumed in one's diet (p < .05). There was a negative correlation with performance-approach goals and one's grade in the class (p < .05). A positive correlation with performance-avoidance goals and one's gender also emerged (p < .05). In addition, performance-avoidance goals and one's grade in the class were positively correlated (p < .05). The results in this study showed that all three variables had an effect on one another. The relationship among these three variables created a complex tapestry that may explain how depression, achievement/motivation and nutrient intakes were associated together. Intervention that focuses on depression should address nutrient intakes among undergraduates.