Nature deficit and abnormal eating behavior of adolescents: The role of anxiety and intervention based on the three good things in nature (3GTiN) paradigm

Abstract

This study explored the relationship between nature deficit and abnormal eating behaviors among adolescents, with a focus on the role of anxiety, and utilized the three good things in nature (3GTiN) paradigm as an intervention strategy. Study 1 surveyed 608 adolescents (346 boys; M_age = 13.55, from 12 to 18 years old) to examine the relationships among nature deficit, anxiety, and abnormal eating behaviors. Study 2 employed a 2 × 3 mixed experimental design with 79 10th-grade students (54 boys; M_age = 15.35) participating to assess the effectiveness of the 3GTiN paradigm. Results indicated that nature deficit is positively associated with abnormal eating behaviors, mediated by anxiety. Moreover, the 3GTiN paradigm effectively reduces anxiety and abnormal eating behavior and mitigates the further deterioration of nature deficit. These findings provide evidence that nature deficit contributes to anxiety and abnormal eating behaviors in adolescents and suggest that nature-based interventions like 3GTiN can improve adolescent mental health and behavior.