Health Risk Behaviors and Self-Esteem Among College Students: Systematic Review of Quantitative Studies

Abstract

Background Due to their impact on premature mortality and long-term disabilities, a better understanding of health risk behavior (HRB) determinants among college students is crucial in order to build the most appropriate prevention tools. Although selfesteem appears to be a relevant candidate, a clear picture summarizing its multiple links with HRB is lacking to guide clinicians and researchers. This study aims to provide a systematic review of the associations between health risk behavior and self-esteem among college students. Methods This search was performed in several databases on 02/02/17. Study eligibility criteria were original articles in peerreviewed journals, in English; observational quantitative studies; among college students; and investigated the association between self-esteem and HRB. The PRISMA statements were complied with. Results One hundred fifteen articles were included: 46 on substance use, 35 on sexual behavior, 11 on nutritional habits, 27 on physical activity, and 5 on other HRB. Most studies reported an association between higher self-esteem and healthier behavior. For alcohol consumption and number of sexual partners, both negative and positive associations have been reported. Directionality was investigated in a few studies suggesting potential bidirectional effects. Conclusions This review points out the need for consensus for the definition of self-esteem and HRB. There was high heterogeneity in (1) the measurement of self-esteem either in the concept measured (global vs. domain) or in the way to implement validated tools; and (2) the definition of HRB. Self-esteem seems to be a relevant target to intervene on HRB, especially alcohol abuse and physical activity. Trial Registration Registration number: PROSPERO (ID = CRD42017056599).

Are Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet, Emotional Eating, Alcohol Intake, and Anxiety Related in University Students in Spain?

“…A review of studies carried out between 2002 and 2014 on the habits of university students found that, on the whole, students do not have healthy eating habits, have a poor diet with a high intake of calories and excessive alcohol consumption, among other substances. These findings confirm the results of recent studies which show a wide range of high-risk behaviors among university students, including excessive alcohol consumption and poor eating habits [ 7 , 8 , 9 ]. In contrast, adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (AMD) is associated with better cognitive performance and emotional wellbeing [ 10 ].…”

Identity change, uncertainty and mistrust in relation to fear and risk of COVID-19

“…Each of the three components of the identity resilience index has been shown individually to be instrumental in shaping reactions to health hazards (e.g. Arsandaux et al 2020;Hajek 2019;Hendy, Lyons, and Breakwell 2006;Schulenberg, Maggs, and O'Malley 2003). However, the significance of overall identity resilience in influencing such reactions has not been established.…”

Disease Prevention Behavior During the COVID-19 Pandemic and the Role of Self-Esteem: An Extended Parallel Process Model

“…For example, Yuan et al 17 excluded self-esteem from their regression equation used for empirical analysis of self-perceived quality of life in Chinese patients with stoma. Arsandaux et al 18 further noted the high heterogeneity of variables used to measure selfesteem in the literature and the high heterogeneity of approaches used to validate and implement measures of self-esteem. Although studies of the role of self-esteem in health status and health prevention behaviors are inconclusive, they do suggest a positive link.…”