Analysis of Parental Educational Styles and Perceived Stress on the Level of Physical Activity and Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet in Adolescents. An Explanatory Model

Abstract

Family environment plays a fundamental role in the development of healthy habits in adolescents. Parenting styles and parental stress have been identified as key factor influencing physical activity and dietary behaviors during adolescence. This study aims to examine the causal relationship between parenting styles, perceived parental stress, adolescents' physical activity levels and Mediterranean Diet adherence. A cross-sectional design was applied with a sample of 647 adolescents (14.86 ± 1.60) and their parents (39.92 ± 9.02). Parents completed the Perceived Stress Scale and Parenting Styles Scale questionnaires. Adolescents completed the KIDMED questionnaire and the PAQ-C. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics and IBM SPSS Amos 23.0. The model showed a good fit (X2 = 21.262, df = 1, pl = 0.003, IFI = 0.982, CFI = 0.982; NFI = 0.982; TLI = 0.924; RMSEA = 0.077). Both parenting styles were positively associated with perceived stress. The affective-communication style positively influenced Mediterranean diet adherence (β = 0.162; p < .05), while criticism-rejection style had a negative effect (β = −0.316; p < .05). As a conclusion, pareting styles and parental stress significantly impact adolescents' healthy habits. Promoting empathic and communicative parenting may foster better physical and dietary behaviors in adolescents.