Abstract

*Andrew P. Smith and Arwel James

ABSTRACT

Background: It is widely acknowledged that diet and other health-related behaviours (e.g. sleep and exercise) are very important for the development of school children. Research has examined the associations of health-related behaviours with many different outcomes (e.g. academic attainment, cognitive function and health). The present study focused on well-being, measured using the well-being process questionnaire (WPQ) and the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Diet and other health-related behaviours were measured by the Diet and Behaviour Scale (DABS). Methods: An online Qualtrics survey of 155 secondary school students, covering both sexes and most year groups, was carried out. The survey included the WPQ, SDQ and DABS. Results: Univariate analyses showed that health-related behaviours were associated with many well-being outcomes. When established predictors of well-being were covaried, many of the associations were no longer significant. However, some remained significant. For example, positive well-being was associated with higher fruit and vegetable consumption and lower consumption of fast food/takeaways. Conclusion: Diet and other health-related behaviours were associated with well-being outcomes. Many of these associations reflect the shared variance of health-related behaviours with established predictors of well-being. However, some associations were independent of the established predictors, and further research is required to identify the underlying mechanisms and practical implications of these results.