Examination of college student health behaviors and self-reported executive functions

Abstract

Objective: Emerging adulthood is characterized by maturation of executive functions (EF) and changes in health behaviors (HB). Interestingly, EF are bi-directionally related to many specific HB; yet how EF performs in relation to overall patterns of HB engagement is unclear. Groupings of HB and the relationship between these HB groupings and EF were examined. Participants. Full-time college students were recruited from three large Mid- and Southwest universities (N = 1,387). Methods. Online self-report questionnaires assessing demographics, HB, and EF were completed. Results. Latent class analysis of HB revealed three classes: (1) High Substance Use, (2) Moderately Healthy, (3) Healthy. In general, the Healthy class had significantly greater EF compared to no significant differences between the other two classes. Conclusions. Collective engagement in HB is associated with EF. Interventions targeting both HB and EF simultaneously may be most efficacious.

Keywords:

• Exercise
• latent class analysis
• risky behavior
• substance use

Conflict of interest disclosure

The authors declare no conflicts of interest and confirm that the procedures associated with the research presented in this article met the ethical guidelines, including adherence to the legal requirements, of the United States and received approval from the Saint Louis University IRB. Data was collected at the University of North Texas and Sam Houston State University as part of an interinstitutional agreement.

Funding

No funding was used to support this research and/or the preparation of this manuscript.