Lifestyle Factors and Psychological Well-Being Among University Students A Review
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: University students experience substantial changes in academic, social, and personal lifestyles that can influence their psychological well-being. Lifestyle behaviors such as physical activity, sleep, dietary habits, technology use, sedentary behavior, substance use, and stress-management practices may play an important role in shaping students' mental and emotional health. The present review examines the relationship between lifestyle factors and psychological well-being among university students, with particular attention to healthy and unhealthy lifestyle behaviors and their psychological consequences. The reviewed literature indicates that regular physical activity, adequate sleep, healthy dietary practices, effective time management, and balanced daily routines are generally associated with better psychological well-being, greater life satisfaction, and reduced psychological distress. In contrast, insufficient sleep, physical inactivity, prolonged sedentary behavior, excessive smartphone and social-media use, unhealthy eating patterns, and substance-related behaviors may be associated with increased stress, anxiety, depressive symptoms, and reduced quality of life. The literature further suggests that lifestyle factors are interconnected rather than functioning independently; for example, academic stress may influence sleep and eating patterns, while poor sleep and sedentary behavior may further affect emotional functioning. Individual, social, academic, and environmental factors may also influence students' ability to maintain healthy lifestyles. Overall, the review highlights the importance of adopting a comprehensive lifestyle approach to promote psychological well-being among university students. Universities can support students by providing health education, physical-activity opportunities, counseling services, sleep-health awareness, nutrition guidance, and strategies for healthy technology use. Further longitudinal and intervention-based research is needed to clarify the long-term and causal relationships between lifestyle behaviors and psychological well-being.
Language: English
Topic: Health and Lifestyle Studies
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7225782112
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