J. Gerhards, J. Rössel, Leipzig
The present study analyzes the extent to which the nutritional behaviour of adolescents may be explained by the adolescents’ lifestyles. The study is based on a standardized survey of adolescents aged 13 to 17 years and on qualitative interviews of 25 selected pupils.
The results were as follows: 1) We have found five different lifestyle orientations of adolescents. These lifestyles are good predictors of the adolescents’ nutritional behaviour. Pupils mainly interested in high culture and sports have a healthier nutritional pattern than those mainly interested in actions in and outside their families and in television. The connection between lifestyles and diet is supported by statistical evidence; it is also illustrated by our interviews. 2) The lifestyles of pupils are influenced by the lifestyles of their parents . 3) The nutritional behaviour of adolescents is not only influenced by their lifestyles but by several other factors as well. EU07/03
Keywords: adolescents / lifestyles / nutritional behaviour
