Qualitative Analysis of the Dynamics of the Relationship Between Anxiety and Health Behavior in College Students

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the dynamics of the relationship between anxiety and health behavior in college students, focusing on the impact of anxiety on eating patterns, physical activity, sleep quality, and coping strategies used by college students. This study used a qualitative approach with a phenomenological design, involving in-depth interviews with 150 active college students who experienced anxiety related to their academic demands and social life. The results showed that anxiety, which was mainly caused by academic pressure, had a direct impact on college students' health behaviors. Some students coped with anxiety with positive coping strategies such as exercising, meditating, and seeking social support, while others were trapped in unhealthy behaviors, such as overeating or lack of sleep. Social support from friends and family was shown to play an important role in helping college students manage anxiety and maintain healthy health behaviors. This study concluded that anxiety has a significant impact on college students' health behaviors, and good psychological support and education on healthy living behaviors are essential to improving college students' well-being.