Mediterranean Diet Adherence, Body Mass Index and Emotional Intelligence in Primary Education Students—An Explanatory Model as a Function of Weekly Physical Activity

Abstract

Adolescence is a key developmental period from a health, physical and psychological perspective. In view of this, the present research aimed to establish the relationship between emotional intelligence, Mediterranean diet adherence, BMI and age. In order to address this aim, (a) an explanatory model is developed of emotional intelligence and its relationship with Mediterranean diet adherence, BMI and age, and (b) the proposed structural model is examined via multi-group analysis as a function of whether students engage in more than three hours of physical activity a week. To this end, a quantitative, non-experimental (ex post facto), comparative and cross-sectional study was carried out with a sample of 567 students (11.10 ± 1.24). The instruments used were an ad hoc questionnaire, the KIDMED questionnaire and the TMMS-24. Outcomes reveal that participants who engage in more than three hours of physical activity a week score more highly for emotional intelligence than those who do not meet this criterion. Furthermore, it was also observed that, whilst the majority of the sample was physically active, improvement was required with regards to Mediterranean diet adherence.

Emotional Intelligence, Physical Activity Practice and Mediterranean Diet Adherence-An Explanatory Model in Elementary Education School Students

“…Positive relationships have also been found between physical activity and emotional intelligence. In view of these findings, the study by Melguizo-Ibáñez et al [ 38 ] and López-Sánchez et al [ 39 ] affirm that regular physical exercise promotes the secretion of neurotransmitters, which help to channel disruptive states. Furthermore, Duclos-Bastías et al [ 40 ] state that physical exercise helps to improve young women’s self-image, reporting benefits in self-concept.…”

“…Trigueros et al [ 37 ] state that the subject of physical education helps the physical and healthy development of the adolescent population. Likewise, Melguizo-Ibáñez et al [ 38 ] together with Villodres et al [ 10 ] establish that the socioeconomic level of families also influences young people’s active and healthy lifestyles, with parents being a fundamental element in promoting these lifestyles. Positive relationships have also been found between physical activity and emotional intelligence.…”

“…Similarly, a positive relationship is observed between adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and emotional intelligence. In view of these results, Melguizo-Ibáñez et al [ 38 ] establish that a healthy lifestyle helps to improve physical appearance and thus gives rise to emotional satisfaction derived from young people’s perception of their bodies.…”

Resilience, Stress, and Burnout Syndrome According to Study Hours in Spanish Public Education School Teacher Applicants: An Explanatory Model as a Function of Weekly Physical Activity Practice Time

“…This instrument was also used to determine whether the participants were physically active (Do you do more than 3 h of physical activity per week? ), offering a dichotomous response (yes/no) [ 21 , 22 , 23 ]. It was also used to collect the number of hours of study per day (How many hours do you study per day?).…”

Alcohol, Tobacco and Cannabis Consumption on Physical Activity and Physical and Social Self-Concept in Secondary School Students: An Explanatory Model Regarding Gender

“…In adolescence, it has been shown that there is a decrease in the amount of time spent doing physical activity as young people move towards more sedentary activities [ 20 ]. Regular physical exercise has been shown to have numerous physical and mental health benefits, including improvements in blood pressure, as well as numerous bone, cognitive, and social benefits [ 21 , 22 ].…”