Trans fatty acid intake and emotion regulation
Megan E Holt1, Jerry W Lee2, Kelly R Morton2
1San Diego State University Research Foundation, USA mholt@mail.sdsu.edu.
Journal of Health Psychology
|June 3, 2015
Summary
Higher trans fatty acid intake is linked to poorer emotion regulation, mediated by affect. Lower intake supports better emotional awareness, clarity, and regulation strategies.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Neuroscience
- Psychology
Background:
- Dietary factors significantly influence mental well-being.
- Emotion regulation is crucial for psychological health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between trans fatty acid (TFA) consumption and emotion regulation.
- To explore the mediating role of positive and negative affect in this relationship.
Main Methods:
- Utilized archival data from 1699 men and 3293 women.
- Measured trans fatty acid intake at baseline.
- Assessed positive affect, negative affect, and emotion regulation at follow-up.
Main Results:
- Elevated TFA intake correlated with difficulties in emotional awareness, clarity, and regulation strategies.
- These associations were mediated by participants' positive and negative affect levels.
- Lower TFA intake was linked to improved affect and subsequent emotion regulation.
Conclusions:
- Trans fatty acid consumption may negatively impact an individual's ability to regulate emotions.
- Dietary interventions focusing on reducing TFAs could potentially benefit emotional health.
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