Impact of the Mass Media on Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet, Psychological Well-Being and Physical Activity. Structural Equation Analysis

Rafael Marfil-Carmona, Manuel Ortega-Caballero, Félix Zurita-Ortega, José Luis Ubago-Jiménez, Gabriel González-Valero and Pilar Puertas-Molero
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Rafael Marfil-Carmona: Faculty of Education Sciences of Granada, University of Granada, 18011 Granada, Spain
Manuel Ortega-Caballero: Faculty of Education and Sport Sciences of Melilla, University of Granada, 52005 Melila, Spain
Félix Zurita-Ortega: Faculty of Education Sciences of Granada, University of Granada, 18011 Granada, Spain
José Luis Ubago-Jiménez: Faculty of Education Sciences of Granada, University of Granada, 18011 Granada, Spain
Gabriel González-Valero: Faculty of Education and Sport Sciences of Melilla, University of Granada, 52005 Melila, Spain
Pilar Puertas-Molero: Faculty of Education Sciences of Granada, University of Granada, 18011 Granada, Spain

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 7, 1-13

Abstract: Background: The influence of mass media on emotions, subjective well-being and behaviours in society should be clearly understood. Physical-health education has an important role to play as a preventive tool. The aim of this study was to develop an explanatory model regarding the relationships between mass media, psychological well-being, physical activity, Mediterranean diet and age and to compare the model with multi-group analysis according to gender. Methods: A descriptive, non-experimental, cross-sectional design was used, with 634 participants between 18 and 66 years old (M = 35.18 ± 9.68). Results: Structural equation modeling was found to be satisfactory for all parameters. Results show that mass media have a significant direct influence on well-being, with negative effects on physical activity and adherence to a Mediterranean diet. The model fitted better for males in terms of gender differences, showing a better fit of psychological well-being being associated with higher levels of physical activity and better adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Among women, no relationships were found between mass media pressure and psychological well-being and healthy physical habits, but higher personal satisfaction was associated with better physical activity and better dietary patterns. Conclusions: Thus, the study approaches society to a perspective influenced by mass media and physical-health education, reporting and emphasizing the importance of healthy lifestyles.

Keywords: physical activity; Mediterranean diet; media pressure; psychological well-being (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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