EXPLORING THE INTERPLAY OF PSYCHOLOGICAL STRESS AND NUTRITIONAL BEHAVIORS AMONG ADOLESCENT GIRLS IN A UNIVERSITY ECOSYSTEM

Abstract
Adolescence is a crucial developmental stage marked by significant psychosocial changes and academic challenges that often influence dietary choices. This study explores the relationship between psychological stress and nutritional behaviors among adolescent girls (aged 17–19 years) enrolled in undergraduate programs at Banaras Hindu University. A cross-sectional survey was conducted involving 317 female students using a structured questionnaire and a validated psychological stress scale. The study evaluated variables such as food habits, meal-skipping patterns, body mass index (BMI), and knowledge of balanced diets. Results indicated that 42.9% of students skipped meals, primarily due to academic stress (57.8%), while 28.1% reported stress-related overeating. Dietary behaviors were significantly affected by socioeconomic status and living conditions. The findings highlight the need for integrative nursing interventions that focus on stress management and nutrition education within university ecosystems to enhance long-term well-being among adolescent girls. Keywords - Adolescent Girls, Psychological Stress, Nutritional Behavior, University Students, Nursing Intervention.