Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet, emotional well-being and lifestyle patterns in Spain: A cross-sectional study

This study examined whether adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet) is associated with emotional states, lifestyle behaviors, and subjective well-being in Spanish adults. We conducted a cross-sectional survey in Spain between July and October 2023 of 2751 adults across 14 major cities. Participants completed digital questionnaires on weekly frequency of six basic emotions, anxiety, life satisfaction, happiness, and health behaviors. MedDiet adherence was assessed via a weighted 15-item score and categorized into tertiles. Associations were examined using multivariate, covariate-adjusted models. Higher MedDiet adherence was significantly associated with greater joy and surprise, and lower anger, disgust, and sadness (all p < 0.05). Participants in the highest tertile reported more frequent sport ( p < 0.01), cooking, and social activities, along with higher life satisfaction and happiness (p < 0.01). Beer and wine showed distinct patterns: beer was linked to greater anger, whereas wine related to more sport and reduced anxiety. MedDiet adherence reflects a lifestyle characterized by emotional balance and well-being, with distinct psychosocial patterns for wine and beer. • Higher Mediterranean Diet adherence is linked to more positive emotional patterns. • Mediterranean Diet adherence relates to healthier lifestyle behaviors. • Emotional and life satisfaction vary stepwise across Mediterranean diet adherence. • Mediterranean Diet adherence aligns with greater overall subjective well-being.