The relationship between health-promoting behaviors and negative emotions in college freshmen: a cross-lagged analysis

Background The prevalence of mental health issues has been gradually increasing among college students in recent years. Improvements in mental health can be achieved through changes in daily behavior and the use of psychological counseling. This study aims to investigate the relationship between health-promoting behaviors and negative emotions among college freshmen as they enter the university. It also examines the impact of various sub-dimensions of health-promoting behaviors and other factors on the negative emotions (stress, anxiety, and depression) experienced by college freshmen. Methods Using the Negative Emotion and Health-Promoting Behavior scales, a 7-month longitudinal study was conducted on 4,252 college freshmen, with collection of data at two time points (T1: November 12, 2021; T2: June 17, 2022). Out of this longitudinal study, 3,632 valid samples were obtained. This research aimed to explore the association and impact between negative emotions and the level of health-promoting behaviors among college students during their time at the university. Results ① There were significant differences in the levels of health-promoting behaviors and negative emotions over the course of 7 months ( P 0.05). Health-promoting behaviors were found to have a significant negative correlation with negative emotions ( P 0.05). ② Negative emotions at T1 significantly negatively predicted health-promoting behaviors at T2 (β = −0.11, P 0.01), while health-promoting behaviors at T1 significantly negatively predicted negative emotions at T2 (β = −0.12, P 0.001). ③ Stress management (β = −0.104, P 0.05; β = −0.087, P 0.05), self-actualization (β = −0.282, P 0.01; β = −0.260, P 0.05), health responsibility (β = −0.057, P 0.05; β = −0.088, P 0.05), and interpersonal relations (β = 0.068, P 0.01; β = 0.138, P 0.05) were important components in improving stress and anxiety. Self-actualization (β = −0.437, P 0.001), exercise (β = 0.048, P 0.001), nutrition (β = 0.044, P 0.001), and interpersonal relations (β = 0.065, P 0.001) were important components in improving depression. ④ Gender, place of household registration, and whether the individual is the only child were significant factors affecting negative emotions in college freshmen. Conclusion The level of health-promoting behaviors is an important indicator for assessing the negative emotional states of college freshmen. Enhancing health-promoting behaviors across various dimensions can help alleviate different types of negative emotions. Gender, place of household registration, and being the only child are significant factors that influence negative emotions.