Healthy habits as predictors of mental health and psychological well-being in emerging adults

Current empirical evidence highlights the influence of healthy habits on mental health and psychological well-being; However, their predictive role in Latin American university populations remains limited. This study aimed to analyze healthy habits as predictors of psychological well-being and mental health in emerging adult Ecuadorians. Data were obtained from the clinical records of clients at a psychotherapy center in Riobamba, Ecuador. The sample comprised 350 emerging adults (73.10% women), aged 18–24 years (M = 20.4; SD = 2.1). A non-experimental, cross-sectional, predictive, and retrospective design was employed. Instruments included the Green Healthy Habits Survey, the Goldberg General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) for mental health, and Diener's Psychological Flourishing Scale for well-being. Multivariate binary logistic and multiple linear regression analyses were conducted using Jamovi 2.6.45. Healthy habits significantly predicted psychological well-being (β = –11.62; p = .01; R² = 0.41) and a lower likelihood of chronic mental health problems (β = –0.70; p = .013; R²McF = 0.31). Social dysfunction (β = –7.41; p < 0.001) and depression (β = –6.97; p < 0.001) emerged as the strongest negative clinical predictors of well-being. In conclusion, healthy habits constitute a key determinant of psychological well-being and a protective factor against chronic psychological distress.