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Network Analysis of Ideal Life Pursuit and Food Addiction Among Chinese Adults

Author

Listed:
  • Ruimei Sun

    (University of Macau
    University of Macau)

  • Haofeng Ling

    (University of Macau)

  • Letty Y.-Y. Kwan

    (University of Macau)

  • Kwok Kit Tong

    (University of Macau)

  • Juliet Honglei Chen

    (Zhejiang Sci-Tech University)

  • Shu Fai Cheung

    (University of Macau)

  • Anise M. S. Wu

    (University of Macau
    University of Macau)

Abstract

Food addiction (FA), emerging as a potential behavioral addiction, has prompted public concerns due to its increasing prevalence, adverse health consequences, and healthcare costs. Based on self-determination theory, this study aimed to test the expected negative associations between one’s pursuit of an ideal life (IL) and FA. This study first examined the correlations between FA with the three IL pursuits (i.e., happiness, meaningfulness, and psychological richness). Then, network analysis was utilized to identify item-level nodes that connect the network of IL pursuit and FA. A probability sample of 1010 Chinese adult residents in Macao, China voluntarily participated in an anonymous telephone survey. The sample was between 18 and 88 years old (Mage = 38.52, SD = 14.53), and 55.2% of them were females. FA were significantly and negatively correlated with the three IL pursuits (r = –0.11 to –0.15, p

Suggested Citation

  • Ruimei Sun & Haofeng Ling & Letty Y.-Y. Kwan & Kwok Kit Tong & Juliet Honglei Chen & Shu Fai Cheung & Anise M. S. Wu, 2025. "Network Analysis of Ideal Life Pursuit and Food Addiction Among Chinese Adults," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 26(2), pages 1-25, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jhappi:v:26:y:2025:i:2:d:10.1007_s10902-025-00866-8
    DOI: 10.1007/s10902-025-00866-8
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    References listed on IDEAS

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